Chiara
CHIARA
O h, my God, I am off to my funeral. I am off to die in the trenches. Tell my mother I loved her.
No, I’m not being dramatic. I’m on the tarmac about to board Dmitri’s jet to my prison sentence. God, why did I think I would be fine? Why did I let Nikolai talk me into this after finding out about the Crowns? I’m not one of them, I’m one of those plastic tiaras at best.
“So, the Crown Suites, who all will live there besides us?” I ask, trying to pass the time and take my mind off the inevitable.
Nikolai shrugs. “There are five houses, and it’s always been treated like a fraternity. I’m the head of our house, Mihai is the head of his and so forth,” he starts. “We’ll be living in our Suite with at least four other people.”
Oh, great. Rooming with Bratva brats. My life is fabulous.
“I can see that mind of yours working overtime,” Nikolai says, rolling his eyes. “You’ll be fine, . WB is neutral. No one has died there since 1981.”
I gasp. “That doesn’t exactly make me feel relieved, you know!” I exclaim, and he chuckles. “And easy for you to say, you grew up in this life. Just let me have my little panic attack in peace. I’m sure I’ll be fine once we’re up in the air.”
“Speaking of which, Mihai and Con are joining us with their sisters,” he says casually and gets out of the back of the SUV while I sit there, dumbfounded.
It takes me a few seconds to realize what he’s just said before I rush out after him. Why didn’t he tell me we’d have company?!
“Who the hell is Con?” I ask as I catch up with him, only to see a blond guy at the top of the steps leading to the plane.
He has the same tattoo as Nikolai and Mihai on the side of his neck, and that already tells me what he is. My gaze travels to his finger, and I catch the jester hat tattoo on his ring finger.
“That would be me, darlin’,” he says in an Irish drawl, his green eyes sparking with mischief. “Connor Cunningham, and you must be the lovely .”
“What the hell is it with everyone flirting with my fucking sister?” Nikolai grumbles and pushes Connor out of the way so we can step inside the plane.
I blink up at the literal surfer looking guy, and tilt my head to the side as I take in his profile while he shit-talks Nikolai. He definitely works out, and he’s most definitely a fuckboy.
Which begs the question, why the hell are all of these dangerous guys so hot?
I shake my head and step inside the plane, my gaze immediately falling on two women more or less my age standing with champagne flutes.
One has caramel skin like Mihai with dark curls pinned up in a ponytail, while the other has porcelain skin and has her long blonde hair in a French braid over her shoulder. They’re both gorgeous, and even though I made an effort with my appearance today, I still feel like a toe right now.
They both look up when I walk inside and Dark Curls grins and audibly sighs before she walks over to me .
“Finally, we have another girl!” she says, clapping her hands together as if she’s just got the best news ever. “Hi, I’m Marina and this is Cat. So glad you’re here! It’s always nice to have another girl around. Especially one who doesn’t seem completely stuck up.”
I can’t help but chuckle. “Well, I’m definitely not stuck up, but I am a little overwhelmed, not gonna lie.”
Blonde Braid, or Cat, rolls her eyes at Marina and offers me a warm smile. “I’m Catriona, but you can call me Cat. It’s nice to meet you, .”
“Nice to meet you, too,” I reply, giving her a warm smile.
“You know, lass,” Con interrupts again, leaning closer with a playful grin, “if you need a guide to show you around, I’m more than willing to help.”
“Con, shut it. She’s not interested in your pathetic attempts at charm,” Nikolai says in a bored tone, but when I look at him, he’s pointing a switchblade at Con. “Do I need to remind you that if any of you touch her, you’re dead?”
Con raises his hands in mock surrender. “Hey, just trying to be friendly.”
The banter is a welcome distraction from the anxiety that’s been gnawing at me. I watch the three guys and it occurs to me that they must have grown up together. Just a whole friendly bunch of criminal offspring.
I should shut up.
“Come on, let’s get you settled,” Marina says, dragging me to one of the plush seats.
I sink into the seat, feeling overwhelmed by the sudden flurry of activity and attention. Nikolai and Con are already arguing about something, and Mihai is lounging with an easy confidence that I can’t help but envy.
Marina plops down next to me, her enthusiasm infectious. “So, , tell me everything. How are you feeling about Willow Bridge?”
“Trying not to hyperventilate,” I admit. “This whole thing is pretty nerve-wracking since I’m used to being in the background, but Nikolai tells me I’ll be right in the thick of it.”
“It gets better,” Marina assures me. “Once you get used to it, Willow Bridge is like a second home.”
Cat joins us, perching on the edge of her seat. “So, what’s your major? I’m just starting my nursing degree.”
“Fine Arts. I got a full ride to RISD, but Dmitri insisted that I would be safer at Willow Bridge,” I explain, and Marina squeals.
“That’s my major, too! Well, it’s my second year, so we won’t have classes together, but I’ll be more than willing to help you out if you need me to,” she says.
“Thank you, that’s so sweet of you!” I say, my heart immediately melting at her kindness.
I didn’t expect the women to be so welcoming for some reason. Actually, I didn’t expect any of them to be welcoming to an outsider. I guess Nikolai claiming me as his sister helped a lot.
The flight to Scotland feels surreal, filled with laughter, banter, and the kind of tension that only comes from being surrounded by dangerous people who don’t seem to take anything seriously. Marina is a whirlwind of energy, chatting with me about everything from art to the latest campus drama. Cat, on the other hand, is quieter, observing more than participating, but her presence is calming.
Connor continues his teasing, much to Nikolai’s annoyance. “You know, , I think we’re going to get along just fine?—“
Nikolai cuts him off with a glare. “I swear to fucking God, If you keep this up, I’m going to toss you out of the plane. ’s not interested.”
I roll my eyes at the exchange, trying to hide my amusement. “I’m sure I’ll be able to handle it.”
Mihai leans back with a smirk. “Nikolai is going to fucking kill you in your sleep, Con. I already got the warning after I wouldn’t shut up about her tattoo.”
Connor perks up. “Tattoo?”
“She has a huge as fuck dragon tat on her back,” he responds, and I tune them out before facing the girls.
“So, what’s the deal with Con?” I ask, trying to make small talk and avoid focusing on the storm brewing in my head.
“Connor?” Marina laughs and Cat looks up as if asking for help. “He’s charming, but don’t let that fool you. He’s dangerous in his own way and loves to play mind games, seeing as he’s a psych major. But you’ll get used to him; he’s harmless if you don’t piss him off.”
“Harmless. Right,” I mutter, glancing at him. He’s already trying to catch my eye, that same mischievous smile still plastered on his face.
Con leans over. “So, darlin’, any special talents you want to share? Or are you just going to keep looking all brooding and mysterious?”
I shoot him a look. “I’m good at not letting people like you get under my skin.”
He chuckles, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “I’ll take that as a challenge.”
“Quit trying to charm every girl you meet, Cunningham,” Nikolai says, rolling his eyes as he joins the conversation. “Maybe try to focus on not annoying everyone for once.”
Con grins, unabashed. “What can I say? It’s my gift,” he says and chuckles. “Besides, I want to see what she’s made of before Legacy Week?—”
“Not now,” Nikolai growls, but this time it’s not playfully. He glares at Con and shakes his head, to which the latter chuckles and does a zipping over his lips gesture.
Oh? What is Legacy Week?
Before I can ask, everyone breaks off into different conversations and I can do nothing but hang on. The ride is smooth, but my nerves are anything but. Nikolai, Mihai, and Con seem at ease, joking and bantering as if this is all just another day for them. Meanwhile, I’m practically vibrating with anxiety.
Just after midnight, we land at a private airstrip and are immediately whisked away in three separate sleek black SUVs to the Crown Suites on Willow Bridge Estate.
When I step out of the SUV, I take a moment to absorb the sight in front of me.
The Suites are basically five townhouses separated by lush, manicured lawns and situated in a large cul-de-sac. The large brownstone buildings scream power, with each townhouse having a grand entrance with big, arched doors and columns. Large windows seem to hint at fancy interiors, and wrought-iron balconies on the upper floors give a touch of that classic, old-money style. The roofs have decorative edges that add to the upscale feel.
Cobblestone paths connect the townhouses, and the three black SUVs park in front of each of them.
“Holy hell, this place is... something,” I mutter as I get out, more to myself than anyone else.
“See you tomorrow morning, !” Marina calls as she walks into one of the townhouses with Mihai, who waves at all of us. I’m sure they’re feeling as jetlagged as me.
Nikolai gestures for me to follow him inside what I assume is our townhouse, and I’m not at all shocked at the obvious luxury inside.
“Welcome to your new home,” he says, his tone both comforting and patronizing. “You’ll get used to it.”
“I doubt that,” I mumble under my breath as I walk behind him.
Nikolai shows me to my room, and I can’t help but be impressed by the size and opulence; it’s like something out of a movie. The interior of the Suite is luxurious, with high ceilings, elegant furnishings, and that same air of old money that makes me feel even more out of place.
“The belongings you sent arrived yesterday and should be packed away,” he says with a stretch and a yawn. “Now, if you don’t mind, I am fucking exhausted and will see you in the morning.”
“Goodnight, Nikolai,” I say as he leaves and I sit on the edge of my new bed, trying to steady my racing heart. This is it. There’s no turning back now.