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His presence, so menacing, is suddenly closer.
My body reacts before my mind can, my pulse jumping wildly as I glance up at him.
“Mikhail.”
I say, his name falling from my lips before I can even stop myself.
His expression changes instantly, the sharpness in his features softening for just a fraction of a second before something else replaces it; something darker, more primal.
His lips part slightly as he tilts his head, watching me, as if he’s only seeing me for the first time.
The silence stretches between us, and I don’t know what to do now.
“You said our names.” Nikolai murmurs, stepping closer again to stand beside his brother once more. “That was the first time.”
My throat becomes dry.
“Do it again.” Mikhail adds in a rough whisper. “Say our names.”
I don’t think I can.
My throat is too dry, and my hands are trembling by my sides.
But their eyes are locked on me, waiting for me, daring me too, and my chest tightens under the weight of their gaze.
“Nikolai.”
I manage to say again, my voice cracking slightly as my face burns.
I swear, I see the smallest, faintest, curve of his lips.
“And me?”
Mikhail prompts, his head dropping slightly as his eyes bore into mine.
My heart pounds harder, but I force the word out anyway.
“Mikhail.”
His name is barely a whisper, but it’s been said.
His jaw clenches, and his nostrils flare slightly.
But it’s his lips that give it away; the smile that stretches along them, no matter how hard he tries to suppress the smile.
My body flushes, heat crawling up my neck, and pooling low in my stomach.
I don't understand it—any of it—but I feel like I’ve crossed a line now, opened up a door I can never close again.
“Good girl.” Nikolai murmurs, his voice as smooth as silk, making me shiver. “That wasn’t so hard, was it, darling?”
My breath catches at his words, then Mikhail reaches out, brushing his finger along my cheek with a gentleness I didn’t know he was even capable of.
“It’s nice hearing our names from your lips.”
I can’t move.
I can’t breathe.