I blinked, stunned into silence. Nikolai enjoying anything about me felt…impossible.
Up until recently, the only time we’d interacted was when he had something critical to say.
And now? Now, he was smiling, acting like this—whatever it was—meant something.
“I’m glad I can entertain you,” I said, trying to sound indifferent, but the warmth spreading through me betrayed me.
“You don’t just entertain me.
You surprise me.” His gaze didn’t waver, and for the first time, I felt the weight of his words settle between us.
I glanced down at the menu, desperate to break the moment.
“What do you even want from a marriage?”
He tilted his head, considering the question. “Loyalty. Strength.
A partner who can handle this life.” He paused, his voice dropping slightly.
“And someone who doesn
