They come to a stop a few paces away, and there’s a heartbeat of uncomfortable silence before Leah and I both speak at the same time.
“Good morning—,”
“Ava, this is—,”
We both stop, and Leah snorts a laugh.
“I’ll go first.” She tosses her flame-colored hair back. “Ava, this is Nikolai. I know he looks like a giant, but he’s a giant marshmallow. Nik was the one who designed the house.”
I flush as Ava looks at me like she’s seeing me properly for the first time.
“Thank you, Nikolai,” she says quietly. “The house is beautiful. And so is my room.”
I shrug awkwardly, shifting on my feet. “I’m glad you like it.”
We linger in silence for a few more seconds. I’m aware that I’m staring like an idiot, but I can’t stop.
I’ve always thought that our eyes are the window to our souls. You can tell a lot from a person when you look into their eyes. Ava’s eyes are the deepest I’ve ever seen. Pools of hazel, with glimpses of green, gold and brown. I’ve never seen eyes that look sofractured.
I want to sweep her up, hide her away so nothing can hurt her again.
As soon as the thought crosses my mind, I feel disloyal.
“I should go,” I say abruptly. “It was nice to meet you, Ava.”
I try to smile at her, but it feels a little flat. Careful to give her space as I move past, I stride away from them without looking back.
ChapterTwenty-Six
Ava
Iturn to stare at Nikolai’s retreating back.
“Is he okay?” I ask Leah. She’s quiet next to me, watching the large alpha move away with sadness on her face.
“He’s fine.” With a small cough into her fist, she gives my arm a little tug. “Come on.”
We move through the grounds as Leah explains the layout. It’s huge. The house is just one part. There’s also a large workshop, a cabin for Leah, storage areas and more.
I could get lost here. I think I like it.
My mind keeps drifting back to the blonde alpha, though.Nikolai.
Leah was right. He was a giant. But he didn’t give me the same vibes I’ve felt from alphas in the past. No, Nikolai… he’s sosad.
“Leah?” I ask quietly. “What’s Nikolai’s story?”
I regret asking as soon as Leah stiffens next to me. “I’m sorry,” I blurt out. “Forget I asked. It’s none of my business.”
Leah elbows me gently. “You can ask whatever you want, Ava. And you’re right. Nik does have a story. But I think you should ask him.”
Shame floods me. She’s right.
“Sorry,” I whisper.
“Don’t stress it,” she says warmly. “He’s one of the nicest people you could ever meet, Ava. Everyone here is safe, I swear.”
That’s not why I asked, but I nod anyway as she leads me to yet another building.
