Page 21 of Innocent Bratva Twins

Nico turns towards the guy behind the coffee stand.

“One cappuccino and one hot chocolate, please.”

“Coming right up.”

A cold wind whips past us, and in the most casual, natural gesture, Nico pulls me up against his chest and holds me there.

I’m stiff as I lean against him, worried he’ll feel how fast my heart is beating against his chest. “The wind has a bite to it,” he remarks, not letting me go.

The longer he holds me, the more I relax, until I have my cheek pressed into his jacket and a soft smile on my face.

I could get used to this.

I shouldn’t. But I could.

The hot chocolate is creamy and sweet. Absolutely divine. We walk slowly through the last half of the park towards my apartment at a slow pace, enjoying the fresh late afternoon air and watching people move around us.

Neither of us talks much, but it’s a comfortable, peaceful silence.

I’m sad when we arrive at my front door. I really wasn’t ready for this to end yet. I wanted to live in my little dream world for a little while longer. The one where my boss sees me as more than just his assistant.

The small steps leading up to the door are slippery with a very thin layer of ice, and Niko insists on walking me up to make sure I get there safely. We’re standing right at the door. My anxiety has crippled my thoughts; imagine if I was brave enough to cook dinner for him, or to tell him to come in for a drink. I could say something like,I have an incredible single malt. It’s sure to warm you up, if you want to come in?

But then, I image a man like Nico has the fancy whiskey. The one that pours thick and looks like gold.

I open my mouth, wanting to invite him in. Just say the words. What could go wrong?

He’s standing, quietly watching me, his head tilted to the side, waiting.He’s waiting for you to invite him inside, Serafina.

No, he isn’t, he’s just looking at you weirdly because you’re standing here with your mouth open, saying nothing.

I press my lips together and huff a breath out of my nose.Ugh. Why is this so difficult?

“Thank you for walking me home—and for the hot chocolate,” I smile nervously. I’m so anxious that my throat is dry.

“It was my pleasure,” he smiles back. “I mean that.” He reaches up and brushes a loose curl away from my eyes, tucking it behind my ear, letting his hand linger against my cheek.

Why is everything he says so easy to misread? Of course, I’m going to start making up fantasies about how he’s falling madly in love with me when he’s so charming.

I’d rather let this fantasy continue a little longer than invite him in and risk rejection.

At least for now, I can pretend.

I look up at him with a smile.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Looking forward to it.” He nods, stepping away from me, the cold taking his place and instantly filling me with longing.

He waits until I’ve unlocked my door, and I get so shy I fumble with my keys, almost dropping them. I push it open and step inside.

He turns away, shoving his hands into his pockets as he walks down the steps and onto the street. He glances over his shoulder once, his eyes piercing into mine and making my heart spin.

I close the door and lean against it, taking a deep breath and telling myself to stop being so pathetic.

This isn’t love at first sight.

This is real life.