NATALYA
The air in the hallway felt like it had been sucked out of a vacuum the second his eyes snapped toward the door.
Maximilian didn't look startled; he looked like a predator that had finally cornered its prey.
Our gazes locked through the crack of the open door, and for one terrifying heartbeat, the tension between us was visible, a kind of fierce spark that ignored the boundaries of family and fidelity.
I recollected my stunned-ass self and bolted.
I didn't say anything. I just ran.
I reached Max’s bedroom, slammed the door shut, and turned the lock with trembling hands. I collapsed against the bed, my breath coming in shallow, ragged hitches. My sweater felt scratchy and suffocating against my skin as I pulled it tighter around me, trying to shield myself from the image bu
