ARIELLE’S POVI came down the stairs still wearing Matteo’s shirt, my hair loosely tied up, when I heard voices in the living room. Nikolai was here. He sat on the couch, looking tense and exhausted, a glass of whiskey in his hand. Matteo stood near the mini bar, talking to him in low tones.The moment Matteo saw me, his expression softened just a fraction.“I need to speak with my men for a minute,” he said, glancing between us. “I’ll be back soon.”He kissed my temple as he passed, his hand brushing my waist possessively before he disappeared down the hall.I walked over to Nikolai and sat on the opposite couch, tucking my legs under me. The silence between us wasn’t awkward exactly, but it was heavy.“How’s Sophia?” I asked quietly.Nikolai stared into his glass for a long moment before answering. “She kissed me. Then told me she doesn’t want to be with me. That everything feels forced.” His voice was rough, almost painful. “I’ve never wanted anyone like this, Arielle. Not just to
Read more