NATALYA

The air in the hallway felt like it had been sucked out of a vacuum the second his eyes snapped toward the door.

Maximilian didn't look startled; he looked like a predator that had finally cornered its prey.

Our gazes locked through the crack of the open door, and for one terrifying heartbeat, the tension between us was visible, a kind of fierce spark that ignored the boundaries of family and fidelity.

I recollected my stunned-ass self and bolted.

I didn't say anything. I just ran.

I reached Max’s bedroom, slammed the door shut, and turned the lock with trembling hands. I collapsed against the bed, my breath coming...