Chapter 20

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 Niko's expression, something significant had happened. She hoped Alexei was okay.

"When?" he asked, his knuckles whitening around the phone. "And you're certain?"

The muscles in his jaw tensed as he listened. "I see. Yes."

When he hung up, he turned to face her, his expression unreadable.

"What is it?" Amelia asked, dread pooling in her stomach. "Is Alexei worse?"

"No," Niko said, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Alexei's condition was fine."