Nikolai kept his hand possessively at Alex’s waist as they stood together, the heat of his palm seeping through the fabric of her dress. His grip was firm yet careful, like he feared letting her go would mean losing her entirely.
A waiter approached them, balancing a tray of champagne flutes, the golden liquid glistening under the chandeliers’ light.
“Water for my wife,” Nikolai instructed, his voice even but leaving no room for argument.
The waiter gave a small nod before disappearing into the crowd.
Alex arched a brow, her lips curving in mild amusement. “You do realize that’s going to start rumors, right? People are going to think I’m pregnant.”
Nikolai smirked. “Would you rather they assume you can’t handle your liquor?”
She rolled her eyes, the first display of irritation that n
