Alessia:
Night settled gently over the suite.
The city lights outside the windows shimmered like something distant and unreal, but inside, everything felt calm, soft lamps, muted shadows, the faint hum of quiet around us. I had curled up on the couch with a book I’d found on one of the shelves, legs tucked beneath me, completely losing track of time.
I didn’t even notice Alexander at first, at least, not until he spoke.
“What are you reading?” he asked.
I startled slightly, then looked up at him. “Oh… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take anything without asking. I was just going through and started reading…”
He paused, then smiled. Not the sharp, teasing one. The softer kind.
“I asked what you’re reading,” he said. “Not for an explanation. I don’t mind you choosing the book that you wan
