Page 43 of Stolen Seconds

Remembering what happened the last time I touched him, I refrained from doing it again.

“Nicolai,”I said a bit harshly, pulling him back to the present before he slipped away completely.

He visibly shuddered before inhaling sharply, running a hand over his face. “You’re a good friend, Irina, but I can’t talk about my past with you when I can’t even seem to come to terms with it myself.”

I tried to clear the lodge of despair from my throat. Although it stung that he couldn’t talk to me which was understandable considering all things, he saw me as a friend and that was what I’d hold on to.

“I get nightmares too,” I whispered as if I was unsure whether to share this with him. “Sometimes I feel like it’s better to stay in it than wake up and realize nothing haschanged. You’re still haunted by them until it happens again.”

Nicolai’s head snapped to me, and his eyes flashed with what appeared to be shock.

“You eventually learn to cope with it in your own way, but I can’t promise you false words that it gets better.”

His lips pursed as he nodded. It might’ve not been what he wanted to hear, but I hoped by telling him about myself reassured a part of him that he was seen and understood.

The sound of footsteps emerged, and we turned in unison to see Gianna—Roman’s head housemaid—walk into the kitchen, stopping when she saw us.

“Early risers?” she asked in a motherly tone, a smile brightening her face.

“Something like that,” I replied, glancing at Nicolai.

Aurora rummaged around the ballroom of the Underground Club, directing the workers on their tasks for her gender reveal.

She was a commanding woman, and I had no doubt it was her husband’s influence.

I laughed, walking toward her as she huffed and rubbed her belly.

“You could’ve hired an event planner.”

“No, I want to be involved in everything regarding my baby.” She smirked and looked down at the swell of her belly. “I can’t believe I’m going to be a mom,” she choked.

“You deserve it more than anyone, Rora.” I hugged herfrom the back, my face resting on her shoulder. “And I’ll be the best aunt.”

Her head tilted back as she laughed. “I’ve no doubt about that. You’ll drive us both insane.”

A sadness overtook me as I kissed her cheek.

Please, don’t hate me.

“It’s all coming together nicely.”

Workers moved around the open space, setting up blue and pink décor. It was extravagant and the grandest gender reveal I’d ever attended—not that I’d been to one before.

“It is,” Aurora replied, her green eyes glossing over. “I can’t believe how fast it’s all happening.”

“Our little girl can’t come fast enough.”

“You want the baby to be a girl?” she asked in amusement, turning to face me.

“Of course, I do. Who else will replace you as my best friend?” I smirked as she shoved me lightheartedly.

“Keep that same attitude when I have you changing diapers.”

Chapter 11

Luca

It’s easy to take control when it’s right in the palms of our hands.

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