(Flashback)
“Tell me a secret,” Ivan whispered, his intense gaze fixed upon her as they sat in yet another restaurant. It was only their second encounter, but Anastasia sensed a growing attachment to him, faster than reason allowed. Ivan Volkov possessed a charm that stirred her heart and sent pleasant shivers through her body. The few times his touch brushed against her, it ignited a delightful burning sensation that made her imagine his hands exploring uncharted territories.
Anastasia tilted her head slightly, allowing her dark hair to cascade over her shoulder, while her eyes shimmered in the subdued glow of the diner’s lights. The familiar murmur of the surrounding people faded into insignificance, no longer disturbing her. All she desired was to maintain a façade of normalcy on the
