As Amelia lay in Niko's arms, a ringing sound caught her attention. Niko's private line. With the crisis surrounding Alexei, every call sent her heart racing with anxiety.

Niko reluctantly released her, pressing a last kiss to her shoulder before rolling out of bed to answer. Amelia watched him, admiring the strong lines of his back as he spoke in low, urgent tones.

"Father," he said, his posture immediately stiffening. "Yes, I understand."

Amelia sat up, pulling the sheet around her. From ...