NIKOLAI'S POV 

My heart was pounding in my chest as I waited in the vestry, the scent of incense and smoke hung heavy in the air, choking me slightly.

I watched her with hooded eyes. Her usually blonde hair slicked back in a tight bun fell loosely around her face, framing her sharp features.

How could one look this effortlessly good? She stepped into the vestry, arms wrapping around her body as her gown rode up slightly and I did nothing to tear my gaze away.

Because I was tired of looking away. Tired of pretending that I didn't lay in my room at night, rubbing myself off to the...