Chapter 211

Keira stared out the plane window, watching New York’s skyline emerge through the clouds. After weeks in Wystovia’s palace, the familiar skyscrapers felt both welcoming and strange, like returning to a favorite childhood book you’ve outgrown.

“Almost home,” Alexei said, his hand covering hers on the armrest.

“Almost,” she agreed, turning to meet his gaze. “Though I’m not sure where home is anymore.”

He smiled, lifting her hand to press a kiss to her knuckles. “Home is wherever we are together.”

“That’s disgustingly romantic,” she replied, but couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “And nothing like the arrogant prince I first met.”

“You’ve ruined me,” he said with mock solemnity. “Turned me into one of those men who says sappy things. Plus New York was our home before. I’m hoping you are still happy to continue living here.”

“I would love that. But I want to go to Wystovia as often as possible. Family is important to me, and that includes yours.”

The plane began its descent, the slight pressure change making her ears pop. Keira’s thoughts drifted to Sutton’s wedding preparations and the whirlwind week ahead; she was going to need a lot of energy. After the hospital incident, public opinion in Wystovia had shifted dramatically. People had seen the real Keira very passionate, protective, and they had embraced her. The King had even pulled her aside before their departure, telling her in his gruff way that she’d done well.

Maria’s father had contacted the King, trying to smooth things over. Alexei had told her last night, but the King had rejected all pleas. Which Keira was glad. She could see a very happy future for them.

“Why do you seem nervous about seeing your sisters?” Alexei asked, studying her face.

“I think I am a little,” she admitted. “It’s been a roller coaster since we last saw each other in person. Plus, you’re officially meeting the whole family. I know you have met Roman and Luca through business… But this is different.”

Alexei said with a confident smile. “I think I can handle your sisters‘ husbands.”

“Don’t be so sure,” Keira laughed. “Luca isn’t Sutton’s husband yet. They’re fiercely protective.”

“Close enough I would say.”

The plane touched down with a gentle bump, taxiing toward the private hangar where Mitchell had arranged for their arrival. Away from the main terminal, they could avoid the press frenzy.

As the aircraft doors opened, Keira spotted her sisters waiting beside Sutton’s car and two black SUVs on the tarmac. Her heart swelled at the sight of them. Before the steps were fully extended, she was rushing down, practically throwing herself into Blair and Sutton’s arms.

“God, I’ve missed you both,” she said, hugging them tightly.

“We’ve missed you too,” Blair replied.

Sutton pulled back to look at her. “Should we bow to you? I mean you are going to be a princess.”

Bavouchers

“Don’t you dare, not even in fun. Trust me, I’m still the same disaster underneath,” Keira assured her, though she knew it wasn’t entirely true. The kidnapping had changed her; it wasn’t something she could hide or run from. It had shaped her in ways she was still discovering.

She turned to see Alexei descending the steps, followed by Mitchell and two other security personnel. Despite the casual clothing in jeans and a simple button–down, he still carried himself with undeniable royal bearing.

“Sisters,” Keira said formally, though her eyes danced with mischief, “may I present His Royal Highness, Prince Alexei of Wystovia. Alexei, my sisters Blair and Sutton.”

“Please,” he said immediately, “just Alexei is fine.” He shook hands with both women, adding a European double–cheek kiss that made Blair raise an eyebrow at Keira.

“Smooth,” Blair said.

“You don’t know the half of it.”

They all got into their cars, Mitchell getting in beside the driver in their SUV as the other two guards got into the other SUV. They followed Sutton’s car out of the airport. Tonight, they were having dinner at Sutton’s place.

Keira settled back against the plush leather seat as their car followed Sutton’s through the familiar streets of New York.

“You’re quiet,” Alexei observed, his thumb tracing patterns on her hand.

“Just readjusting,” she replied, offering him a small smile. “It’s strange being back. Everything looks the same, but so different.”

“That’s because you are different,” he said simply. “We both are.”

Keira nodded, knowing he was right. The kidnapping, their relationship, her time in Wystovia… all of it had transformed her in ways she was still discovering. She felt more certain of herself in some ways, more vulnerable in others. The fire was still there, but she had grown up fast. She had been twenty–four just days before the kidnapping, but she had grown as a person.

It wasn’t long before the car turned onto a tree–lined street in an upscale neighborhood where Sutton and Luca lived. As they pulled up, Keira felt a surge of excitement at the prospect of seeing Miles. She had missed her nephew terribly.

Mitchell exited first, scanning the surroundings before opening their door. The security detail was less obvious than in Wystovia, but Keira knew they were taking no chances after the kidnapping. The King had made sure they understood the importance of protecting themselves before leaving. She had felt like she had been pulled into the principal’s office.

The door swung open as soon as everyone went up the steps, revealing Luca with Miles perched on his hip. Keira told herself he was excited to see her, but it could have been wind.

7:35 Sat, Sep 13 B

Keira’s heart melted as she scooped her nephew into her arms, breathing in his sweet baby scent. There’s my favorite guy in the whole world!”

She caught Alexei’s mock offended expression and added, “Second favorite, of course.

Luca shook hands with Alexei, his eyes assessing the prince with the sharp intelligence that had built his tech empire. “Welcome to our home, Your Highness.”

“Please, just Alexei,” he replied easily. “And thank you for having us.”

“Sutton was insistent,” Luca said with a warm smile as they all went inside. “She’s been planning this dinner since you confirmed your arrival date.”

They moved into the spacious living room where Roman stood near the fireplace, nursing a scotch.

“Prince Alexei,” Roman greeted him with a firm handshake. “Good to see you again under better circumstances.” After the rescue they hadn’t really talked.

“Much better,” Alexei agreed, matching Roman’s steady gaze.

The air between them crackled as three powerful men took each other’s measure. Sutton headed into the kitchen with Blair.

“Roman,” Keira broke in, giving her brother–in–law a one–armed hug while still holding Miles.

“It’s good to see you.” He said returning her hug.

“It’s good to be home.”

Sutton returned with a platter of appetizers. “I didn’t cook. I arranged catering because I wanted to meet you at the airport.” She stopped short when she saw the three men. “Can you lot stop sizing each other up?”

Blair joined them with drinks. “Yeah, cut that shit out.”

Keira faced her sister’s husband and soon–to–be, lifting an eyebrow.

Alexei accepted a drink from Blair with a charming smile. “Thank you. And congratulations on your pregnancy. Keira’s told me so much about both of you.”

“All terrible things, I’m sure,” Blair replied with a mischievous glance at her sister, breaking the tension in the

room.

“On the contrary,” Alexei said smoothly. “She speaks of her sisters with nothing but love and admiration.”

“Laying it on a bit thick, aren’t you?” Keira muttered under her breath but everyone could hear.

His eyes sparkled with amusement. “Just getting started, little firecracker.”

The nickname slipped out before he could catch himself. Keira felt her cheeks heat as Blair’s eyebrows shot up and Sutton exchanged a knowing look with Luca.

7:35 Sat, Sep 13 B…

“Little firecracker?” Roman repeated, the corner of his mouth twitching.

“Well, she is,” Alexei said unapologetically. “Especially when she’s angry.”

“That,” Blair said with a laugh, “is something we can all agree on.“.

“I always said that any man would need a whip and a chair to go anywhere near Keira,” Roman said, which made Keira blush even more.

Keira groaned. “Thanks, Roman. Nothing like making me sound completely unmanageable in front of my fiancé.”

Alexei’s lips curved in a slow grin. “But unmanageable is my specialty.”

Sutton snorted as she set down the platter. “Careful what you wish for, Prince Charming. She bites.”

“Only when provoked,” Keira shot back, glaring at her sisters.

Roman raised his glass, clearly enjoying himself. “Then here’s to the poor bastard brave enough to provoke her.”

Alexei clinked his glass against Roman’s without missing a beat. “I like my

chances.”

Luca finally broke into laughter, easing the last of the tension. “Well, you’ll fit right in.

God, she loved her family warts and all.