Alexei’s POV

“I love you, Alexei,” she said, breaking the silence.

“What?” I asked, my heart skipping. Did she just say she loves me? I couldn’t help the grin that broke across my face. I rose from the bed, and she sat upright, a shy smile playing on her lips.

“What did you say?” I pressed, wanting to hear it again.

“I love you,” she whispered, her cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson. I knelt on the floor in front of her, overwhelmed.

“What do you want, Novel? Where do you want to go? Just say the word and I’ll take you,” I promised.

“Stop exaggerating,” she said, covering...