Sera
New York smelled different.
Not as calming as Moscow. But something more chaotic.
The private jet landed just after dawn, and by the time we stepped onto the tarmac, the city skyline had begun to stretch itself awake.
Everything felt different now. I felt different.
Gone was the injured, unconscious woman who left weeks ago. In her place stood someone healing but still breathing.
Still standing.
Adrik’s hand was warm over mine in the back of the SUV as the skyline emerged through the glass.
The familiar pulse of the city stirred something tight and uncomfortable in my chest. It was just Adrik and I heading home. Irina had driven with Yuri and Vladimir to go drop off Diana.
The house was quiet when we arrived.Nadia had done a good job while we were away. The penthouse felt l
