Chapter 33 Holly
HOLLY
The next morning, I wake to pale morning light filtering through the windows and for a blissful moment, I don't remember.
Then it all crashes back and my stomach drops.
Everything Nikolai kept from me. And what followed after.
My gaze drifts to the armchair beside the bed where Nikolai is asleep.
At some stage last night he changed into dress pants and a button-up shirt.
But now they’re wrinkled from sleep, the shirt unbuttoned, the sleeves pushed up his strong forearms. His head is tilted back against the chair, his face peaceful in a way I've never seen when he's awake. Those impossibly long lashes fan across his cheekbones. Those beautiful lips I’ve spent hours kissing, are slightly parted with each steady breath.
He's so handsome, it hurts to look at him.
I long to climb on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck and bury my face in his warmth.
But I need more time to process it all. The secrets. My murderous grandfather. The men sent to kill me. My stupidity in fleeing and Andrei’s subsequent betrayal.
I turn away and close my eyes.
Because I’m afraid there are more things he hasn’t told me.
And I’m not sure I’m ready to hear them.