Countryside

The drive to Nicolai's country estate was a blur for Alessia, her eyes never leaving his strong profile as he focused intently on the winding road. Nicolai had been reassuring, his thumb stroking her knee back and forth, but she'd been unable to shake the feeling that something was amiss.

White Birch Manor appeared before them, a majestic fortress surrounded by rolling hills and lush forests. Alessia's memory of her previous visit sent a shiver down her spine. It had been her first experience being dominated by Nicolai in the bedroom. She'd been shocked at the way her body and mind responded to his roughness. She'd left with a few finger bruises on her body but a big smile on her face. Everything was a new and exciting experience since Nicolai came into her life.

As they pulled up to the house, Alessia's heart skipped a beat at the sight of the gazebo at the edge of the river. That gazebo was where it all began for them. Nicolai's strong arm snaked around her shoulders, pulling her clo