Those three words seemed to affect him deeply. His expression softened for a moment before he thrust forward in one decisive movement, breaking through her virginity.
The pain was sharp and immediate. Alex clenched her fists instinctively, then winced as the motion aggravated the wound on her palm—a reminder of the glass shard she had gripped during the attack. The bandage covering her hand did little to cushion the sting.
Nikolai immediately stilled within her, his arms encircling her body in a protective embrace. Not moving, just holding her close while her body adjusted to the intrusion.
"I've got you," he murmured against her temple. "The pain will pass, I promise. Just breathe."
Tears welled in her eyes—not just from the physical discomfort, but from the emotional significance of
