Alex smiled to herself as Nikolai led her through the dappled sunlight, his fingers interlaced with hers. There was something beautifully rebellious about this moment—about escaping the suffocating atmosphere of the house where expectations hung heavy in every corridor.
How did I ever think I hated this man? she wondered, studying his profile as he navigated their path deeper into the trees. Just days ago, the very sight of him had sparked irritation. Now, his presence ignited something altogether different—something primal and consuming that made her breath catch whenever their eyes met.
"What exactly are we doing out here?" she asked, breathless from their hurried escape as much as from anticipation.
Nikolai glanced back, his expression boyishly mischievous. "Rescuing you from your fa
