Chapter 22

Forty-five minutes later, I’m fully dressed and I’ve applied a little mascara and lip gloss. For the sake of time, I’ve blow-dried my hair and pulled it back into a ponytail. I think the jeans, silk blouse, and jacket ensemble should do the trick.

I head out onto the landing and peer down to see Nathan and a younger version of himself having a rather intense discussion in Russian complete with pinched brows and flying hand gestures. Nicolaus’s hair is a little wavier than Nathan’s straight locks, but the color is the same chestnut brown. And the eyes, which suddenly flick up to me, are every bit Nathan’s.

His expression softens a smidgen and the discussion ceases. Nathan glances up at me but is still frowning as if I’ve disturbed a very important discussion.

“Hello,” I say with a little wave as I ascend the stairs.

“Hi,” Nicolaus replies, smiling now. I’d say he was equally as handsome as Nathan but at twenty-one, he’s yet to completely lose the boyish look. While they have a simi