As I rifle through the closet, searching for something that fits his cryptic instructions, I can’t help but wonder what he’s planning. My head is spinning with possibilities, each scenario more ridiculous than the last.
Alexei Balshov is an unpredictable man, but that's what makes him…Alexei.
I finally settle on a simple black dress. It’s soft and smooth against my skin, hugging my curves without looking like I tried too hard. I leave my hair down, letting it fall in loose waves over my shoulders, and apply light makeup. It’s just enough to make me feel like myself, but a version of me that can handle whatever Alexei Balshov has up his sleeve. I grab a soft cashmere wrap and drape it over my arm.
When I step out, Alexei’s gaze sweeps over me slowly, heating my skin everywhere it lands.
“You look gorgeous,” he says, his voice low.
“Thank you,” I murmur, feeling the familiar blush creep across my cheeks.
.
“Come,milaya.”
He holds his hand out, and I step closer to him, my heart thudding wildly as I slip my hand into his. His large palm closes around mine, gentle yet possessive.
Together, we step outside where his stoic bodyguard, Sergei, is waiting by a black sleek-looking car. He steps back, gesturing for me to get in. Alexei closes the door gently after me and walks around to the other side.
Always the gentleman when he wants to be.The thought makes me smile.
“Drive,” Alexei says the minute he slides the car. Sergei nods once and immediately pulls out of the driveway.
All through the drive, I barely hold myself back from asking where we're going, but I don't have to wonder for long. The car pulls up near Central Park. Sergei parks and comes to open the door at my side. I step out, looking around in surprise. I never pegged Alexei for a man who'd want to go on a date in Central Park.
It's a pleasant surprise, of course.
“This is where we're going?” I ask to confirm as he comes to stand beside me.
“Yes,zayka,” he replies, his mouth curved faintly in amusement. “Look,” he says, gesturing ahead.
I raise my head to see a horse-drawn carriage waiting beneath the streetlight. The evening air is crisp, and I’m grateful for the wrap as Alexei takes my hand and leads me toward the carriage.
The driver does a dramatic bow as Alexei helps me climb in, and I can't help but be mesmerized at the magic of it all. I feel like some princess from an old fairytale.
“This is…” I trail off, speechless.
“Old-fashioned?” he says, producing a small thermos of hot chocolate from inside his coat pocket.
“Perfect.”
We sip from the same cup as the carriage travels through the park. We soon move away from the crowded area to the quieter parts of the park, and then it's just us, the sound of hooves echoing on the pavement and the wind tussling our hair. The heat of his thigh seeps through my dress, and I find myself leaning closer, stealing glances at his handsome profile.
It's crazy how he can be sometimes terrifying yet so…soft?
After a while, the carriage slows to a stop outside Carnegie Hall.
“Okay…” I drawl, unable to hold back an excited smile. “What are we doing here?”
He only offers his hand. “Come and see.”
Inside, a man in a black suit greets us by name and leads us through the grand foyer. He stops in front of a set of elegant doors and gestures for us to enter.
The Weill Recital Hall opens before us. It’s intimate, stunning, and completely empty, except for a small ensemble waiting onstage. Alexei and I sit in the front row seats. As the lights dim and the music begins, his hand settles possessively over mine.
My breath catches as strings and piano fill the air. For the next hour, I forget everything: London, Yuri, and the years between. It’s just sound and warmth and the feel of Alexei’s thumb idly tracing circles on my skin.
When the final note fades, I can barely speak. “You did all this… Why, Alexei?”
