Bound by lies Trapped by Desire novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Elena’s POV:

My lingers fiddled with the sash tied around my waist, tugging it tighter even though the fabric was already cinched. I hadn’t expected this to feel 10. awkward.

The room was dimly lit, elegant in a way that screamed rich without trying too hard. One wall was glass, offering a panoramic view of the city. lights twinkling like distant stars. I could see the hospital even from here. Which was comforting, knowing the fact that he’d brought me to a place from where I could easily go to mom

My gaze circled back to him. And his eyes were still on me.

They didn’t leave me. Not once.

A strange silence hung between us, like a chord waiting to be struck. My bare feet padded softly across the cool hardwood floor as I walked closer. My heart thumped a little faster, heavier, with every step. I guess I was going to have to do this

Just as I bemt slightly toward him, my hands reaching for his shoulders, he caught my wrists gently

“What are you doing?” he asked, voice lower than usual, hesitant,

I’blinked, caught off guard. “Setting the mood?” I offered, a weak simile tugging at my lips.

His brows drew together, and he swallowed thickly, like he hadn’t expected that response. There was a pause, long and quiet

Then he shook his head slowly. “I brought you here to rest, Elena. Not for that. The hospital is just a floor below. You needed somewhere better than a stiff waiting room chair.”

My breath caught.

Oh.

Oh.

My checks flamed, and I pulled my arms back quickly “Oh right. Sorry, 1 just-

Before I could finish, he moved. Quick Intentional.

His hand closed around my wrist again, and in a blink, I was spun onto the mattress, my back sinking into the soft comforter as he hovered over .me, caging me in with those arms, those sharp eyes burning,

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you, malishka,” he murmured. “If you’re up for th.. I wouldn’t decline.”

The way he said it made my stomach flip. His face was so close. His breath fanned across my lips, and his scent–warm, woodsy, with a hint of spice -wrapped around me like a second skin. It wasn’t overpowering. No, it was soothing Like the smell of forests.

But: panicked.

“No,” I said quickly, shaking my head. “No, I–actually, you’re right. I’m really tired. I think I’ll just sleep

Even as I said it, I was painfully aware that i was basically naked underneath this robe,

I looked anywhere but at him, afraid of what my expression might give away. Embarrassment bloomed hot across my chest and up my neck. Seriously, Elena. Dig a hole. Crawl in. Bury yourself.

Nikolai didn’t move for a moment, still watching me with that unreadable expression. Then he exhaled slowly and rolled off, sitting up beside me.

“Fair enough,” he said, tugging the covers up and over both of us. He settled down on his side, silent, and for a second, I just stared at the ceiling.

WIL

We were sleeping together. Literally. In the same bed.

My spine stiffened, and I turned away, pulling the blanket tighter around myself.

1 frowned because even though I didn’t want it to, my mind went there.

I shouldn’t be thinking about this. About him.

Bui I missed the warmth. The comfort. The mindless security of curling into someone at night. Of being held.

1/3

8:35 PM

Chapter 12

God, I missed Dmitri And 1 hated that I did. Not the Dmitri who betrayed me–no, not the selfish man I saw scrambling on the floor to pull on his pants. But the one who used to wrap his arms around me, kiss the top of my head, and whisper that everything would be okay. The one who used to make me feel like 1 mattered.

Now I was marrying someone else. Someone I didn’t love,

Even if it was just a contract marriage. Even if we hadn’t discussed exclusivity. It still felt wrong to think about Dmitri when I now had Nikolai.

I didn’t want to be like him. I didn’t want to be a cheater.

So I pushed the memories aside and hugged myself tighter, trying to focus on my breathing

And then-

Was he serious!

I imagined him wrapped around some oversized teddy bear and couldn’t help the laugh that slipped out. A real, surprised sound.

His reply was so casual, so matter–of–fact, that it caught me off guard again

I smiled, despite myself. His scent was stupidly pleasant. Pine and earth, clean and grounding. I wanted to lean back into him. Let myself melt. But I didn’t

Well

And with the sound of his steady breathing behind me, the warmth of his body pressed into mine. I finally let sleep take me.

But the bed beside me was empty.

I sat up straight

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