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I freeze.

“How…”

“I recognize the sound of the clock I spent three hours picking out, Niko.”

I glance up at the massive clock behind me and glare at it before begrudgingly lowering my feet.

“Good night, Nikolaï.”

“Good night, Elif.”

Chapter fifteen

Selina

“What’s all this ?” Sienna asks as she enters the living room, stopping beside me as I stare, mouth slightly open, at the three women running around, dashing between piles of clothes.

“I have no idea,” I murmur.

“Mamma! Look, I’m Superman !” Rafael suddenly shouts, appearing from behind the armchair with a red scarf tied around his shoulders.

“And I’m Batman !” Andrei yells, running after Rafael with a black pair of underwear on his head.

I can’t help but burst into laughter as I spot Alexei following behind them, recording everything on his tablet. Sienna chases after them, trying to stop them, while I suddenly feel warm breath against my neck.

“Do that sound again,Solnychko,” Nikolaï whispers, making me shiver. “I want to see how your face lights up.”

I turn around and find myself caught in the icy blue of his eyes, as mesmerizing as ever. You know that hidden part of an iceberg, the part submerged beneath the water ? When it surfaces, it takes on a deep, captivating blue. Well, Nikolaï Ivanov’s eyes are exactly that color—deep and entrancing.

It’s been over a week since he helped me through my panic attack, and since then, an unspoken connection has formed between us. Fleeting glances that steal my breath, smiles that warm my heart, and the occasional touch—his hand brushing against mine when he walks past, his lips barely grazing my cheek or neck as he reaches for something on the table, leaning over me.

I don’t know what we’re doing or where this is leading, but I have never felt so safe, so protected, almost… free.

And I have never seen Rafael this happy. He gets along so well with Nikolaï’s sons, and they never exclude him from any of their activities. Just yesterday, they had gone horseback riding together.

I hadn’t even known there was a stable on the estate. I’ve always loved horses, but seeing one in real life was incredible. I had been frozen in place in front of a stall, unable to tear my eyes away from the magnificent black stallion staring back at me. And, of course, I later found out it belonged to Nikolaï when he approached me, guiding my hand with his to encourage me to touch the animal.

I had then watched him ride alongside his sons, my eyes welling up when I saw him helping my son stay balanced in the saddle, soothing him when he trembled with fear. I had even discreetly wiped away a tear when his sons came over to encourage Rafael, explaining how to do it properly.

His children were truly angels, but I could tell there was some distance between them and their father—something I didn’t dare bring up. When he had first suggested going to the stables, they had refused, only agreeing after Rafael got excited and I encouraged them. I suspect it has something to do with the loss of their mother, but I know it’s not my place to ask questions.

“I don’t think I can do it on command,” I say with a small smile, trying to hold his gaze.

His eyes narrow slightly, amusement dancing in them before he leans in, brushing his lips against my cheek as he murmurs near my ear, “Then I won’t miss it next time.”

I take a deep breath, his voice igniting something deep inside me—something unknown, something terrifying and thrilling all atonce. He pulls back with a smile before taking my hand, leading me toward the chaos in the living room.

“Come, they’re here for your sister and you,” he says.

“For us ?” I ask, confused, as Sienna reappears with Andrei laughing hysterically over her shoulder, the underwear on his head now gone.

My son run up again, still wearing his “superhero cape,” his eyes lighting up the moment he sees Nikolaï.

“Niko ! Look, I’m a hero !” he exclaims, raising his arms in the air.

The towering man beside me, who could easily intimidate anyone, bends down and lifts my son onto his shoulders.

“Is this better, Rafael the Hero ?” he asks before taking off, running around the table.