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I stare at them for a moment before getting out of bed to grab my laptop. Settling beside her again, I carefully lift her head into my lap and search how to braid long hair for beginners.

It takes far longer than I’d like. I’ve broken into government servers with less effort than this braid.

But eventually, the pieces begin to cooperate. I tie off the braid and lean back to admire my work.

It’s a little uneven.

It’s far from perfect. But it keeps the loose strands from rubbing against the raw skin on her neck and that’s all I wanted.

The sight of her in my arms, in my bed makes me smile. Fuck, she’s the first woman who’s ever been with me in my bed.

This woman ruined me the moment I woke up alone in that hospital. This woman dismantled me before I even learned her fucking name.

I kiss her cheek once and go for another one.

I told you I was greedy.

Burying my nose in her hair, I gently pull her closer and wrap my arms around her. Hours slip by with me staring at her, too afraid to sleep, terrified she’ll vanish the moment I close my eyes.

My gaze settling on her thick lashes, on her forehead as I kiss her again and again.

TWELVE

Elara

The smell of coffee wakes me up; recognising the place even before opening my eyes.

I find Sergei sitting on the edge of his bed, my hands instinctively pulling the sheets up to cover myself and his gaze follows my movements.

A slight curve to his lips as he speaks. “You know you slept with me, right?”

My brows touch my hairline, eyes wide, awaiting the panic to come hit me like bullet. His smile turns into a throaty chuckle at my reaction; one I’ve never heard before.

His eyes crinkle, warmth radiating from every glance. Heat floods my cheeks before I can stop it, and I turn my head away, hoping he doesn’t notice.

“Here.” A cup of coffee appears in my periphery and I grab it just to hold onto something, since my sanity seems to be slipping away far too easily.

I lift it to my lips.

“Careful,” he says. “It’s hot.”

“I know.” And take the big sip intended nonetheless.

The burn hits sharply, a hiss slipping through my parted lips before I can stop it.

You’d think I’d learn, that my brain would brace itself for the scald, it never does.

Old habits die hard. Painful ones never die.

“I told you it was hot.” Sergei is already on his feet. “This woman is going to make me…” His voice trails off as he disappears out of the bedroom.

A second later—

“Ow, fuck!” Followed by the unmistakable sound of something smacking into him.

I can’t help it and laugh. Who would’ve thought Sergei Zaytsev had a cute side?

“…lose my mind.” He mutters as he walks back in, rubbing the back of his head. “…such a grown woman, yet she still doesn’t know how to drink coffee.”