Alexei's POV

I woke up early to make breakfast for her. I’m not really good at it, but I had Maya’s assistance and I checked online. I didn’t think she would like it, but she did. I fought to keep a blush from creeping up my face when she said it was delicious.

I don’t think I know anything about her. All this time, I have been thinking about how to make her accept the monster in me, that I forgot she needs to accept me as a person first. That’s why I asked her that question back in the room.

“Can I love you?” I know it sounds cringe,...