Page 7 of The Monster

For the next three days,Nikolai stays true to his word. He leaves for work before I’ve woken up and arrives after I’ve had my dinner. We don’t even see each other unless I take a peek in the window when he gets home.

Did I imagine that steamy moment between us on our wedding night? Have I mistaken his kindness for attraction?

But Elsa said…

God, I’m losing it. Overthinking has always been a problem, and now my brain won’t shut up.

I’m still on break, and classes won’t start until next month. With nothing else to do except study, I spend hours exploring thismansion. There are at least a dozen bedrooms, and I’m surprised to find mine bigger than his. Yes, I checked out his bedroom and even his study. Both rooms weren’t locked, which was a dangerous thing to do given the nature of his ‘business’.

On the night before my wedding, Father told me to spy on Nikolai. Get whatever useful information from him, take photos of his documents. I had several chances to do just that, and Father didn’t let a day pass without texting me a reminder.

I can’t do it. I won’t.

This man trusts me enough that he lets me wander in his home. Father never did.

I’m not going to betray Nikolai when he hasn't done anything except welcome me to his home and give me the best sleep I’ve had in years. I’m beginning to think the air here is cleaner because I can breathe more freely. Sure, the overthinking is there, and so is the anxiety, but at least I don’t dread leaving my bedroom every single day.

I’m so lost between my random thoughts and the pages of myAnatomy and Physiologybook when I hear the unmistakable, familiar sound of tires on gravel.

A smile spreads across my face, my excitement bubbling over.

This is crazy, and he’s probably tired from work, only looking forward to a peaceful night ahead.

But I crave his company, and I want to see him.

I practically fly out of my chair, running barefoot toward the front door. I’m wearing nothing but an oversized T-shirt and boxer shorts, but I don’t care. We can’t avoid each other forever. I don’t want to.

The wide door swings open just as I come to a halt in front of it. A rush of cold air sweeps in, but it’s quickly forgotten as I see my husband. He steps inside, his suit jacket draped over his forearm, his sleeves rolled up to his elbow.

He hasn’t noticed me yet as his eyes are glued to his phone.

Clearing my throat, I beam at him. “You’re home early.”

Nikolai freezes mid-step and snaps his head up, his eyebrows scrunching as though I just sprouted wings and two horns. “Nina? Is everything okay?”

I twine my fingers behind me and nod. “I just want to have dinner with my husband.”

6

NIKOLAI

Nina wants to eat dinner with me, and I don’t even have to force her to.

The day was long, and I came home mentally preparing for the next, barely aware of my surroundings. Her voice cut through my thoughts, and I was sure I was either imagining her or hallucinating from hunger.

When she took a step toward me, the world tilted on its axis.

God, I missed my wife, but after nearly scaring her the other night, I did what I could to make her comfortable, even if that meant sneaking into my own house.

Now, she wants my company, and the exhaustion of the day melts away.

Elsa and Wilma, her personal maids, stand to the side, not bothering to hide how they’re enjoying this exchange, especially my reaction.

“You’ve not eaten yet?” I ask Nina, checking the time on my watch and frowning when I see it is almost eight in the evening.

“No. I’ve been waiting for you.”

Warmth spreads through my chest, tripling my heart rate, making my palms sweat. “Oh, are you bored here?”

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