“I really wanted to say thank you—for everything. All the little gifts, and the amazing food, and the hikes, and the bonfire and the adventures…it’s been really amazing.”

His eyes light up as the smile spreads across his face, the late afternoon shadow of stubble adding to his sex appeal.

William arrives back with our food, steaming hot and smelling incredible.

For the rest of dinner we chat about normal things. The way the weather is changing, the incredible view from the forest,how different it is here compared to living in the city—just normal things.

“Do you want dessert?” Alexei asks as William walks away with our empty plates.

“I would love to try her homemade brownies, but I can’t fit it in. That stew was so amazing I ate far more than I normally would.”

“Me too, her cooking is incredible. We should come back here.”

I nod, my eyes tracing the shape of his face to try and etch it in to memory. I never know when this will all come to an end.

Alexei asks for the bill, and while he is chatting to William, I look around the bistro again. The couple has caught my attention. She is giggling and he’s leaning close to her, running his hand over her thigh.

I watch, completely engrossed. The man’s voice is low, but deep enough that it carries to me. “I want to rip your panties off and play with that pussy of yours,” he growls into her ear.

The girl giggles again and my heart starts beating faster.

Fuck. That’s hot.

“What else?” she whispers back, not aware that I can hear everything.

“I want to spread your legs and lick you until you are begging me to stop—"

My breath becomes heavier as I picture Alexei saying those things to me.

I turn away from them, heat pooling between my legs, my cheeks glowing pink.

William and Alexei are still talking.

“Sorry, where is the bathroom?” I interrupt.

“Just through there, sweetheart—are you okay, you look—"

“I’m fine, thanks so much.” I stand up quickly and rush off, turning my bright pink face away from Alexei and William to hide how much I am blushing.

In the bathroom, I splash cold water on my cheeks and look around, hoping that this kitch decor will distract me from the wild thoughts running rampant through my head.

The lace curtains and floral artwork are so contrasting to the decor outside.

Clearly Beatrice decorated this bathroom.

The door pushes open and I jump with fright.

It’s Alexei.

“What is going on? You looked like you were about to pass out,” he says, sounding angry, or worried—it’s hard to tell the difference with him.

“Nothing. Nothing is wrong. I’m totally fine.” I’m talking too fast.

“Clara,” he says sternly, pressing his hand against my forehead.

“It’s nothing, Alexei. I swear.”

“It’s not nothing, and I won’t tolerate you lying to me.” Shit, he really sounds angry now.