19

Adira was utterly confused because Nikolai rarely got visitors. Who could it be?

The bell rang again. And slowly, Adira stood up to get it.

She opened the door, and surprise crept into her face when she noticed it was Vesper, Nikolai's brother.

She was amused. Since she started living with Nikolai, Vesper had never paid them a visit. Why was he there all of a sudden?

She threw an uncomfortable stare at him, still holding the door open.

"H...Hi," she forced herself to say.

His chiseled frame filled out the sleek, form-fitting black outfit he wore. His steely gaze and tight-lipped expression only added to his intimidating presence, making Adira feel a sense of unease and apprehension.

"Adira Ravenswood," he called out, ending it with a dark smile.

Adira found it offensive that he was addressing her by her old surname. Was he there to goad her?

"How're you doing?" He added.

"I'm, um, I'm fine," she blinked hard, trying to get herself together. She's been trying not to mess with Nikolai's