The snow crunched beneath Alexei’s boots as he stepped onto the deck of the cabin, the cold biting at his face. The place was stunning—tucked high in the mountains, a sanctuary of quiet and snow-draped pines, with warm light spilling from the windows onto the powdery drifts. He’d brought you here to escape, to breathe, to steal a moment away from the chaos of his life. You deserved that much, at least.

Alexei’s phone buzzed in his coat pocket, and he felt a familiar frustration settle in his chest. Of course, Brandon would call now.

“Give me a minute, Malishka.” Alexei said softly, brushing his gloved hand along your arm. “I’ll be right back.”

Stepping further out into the snow, he accepted the call, keeping his voice low.

After few minutes, the call ended, leaving Alexei standing there with an exasperated sigh, his breath curling like smoke into the frigid air. He shook his head, tucking the phone back into his coat. 'Brandon’s an ass', he thought, but his smirk lingered as he turned back toward the cabin.

When Alexei stepped inside, the warmth wrapped around him, carrying the faint smell of wood and pine. He didn’t say anything at first. Instead, he walked over and stood behind you, resting his chin gently on the top of your head. His arms wrapped around you, holding you close, and for a moment, there was only the hum of the heater and the quiet rustle of the wind outside.

Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Alexei took your left hand, his long fingers brushing over yours before he traced a thumb over your ring finger.

“You know, Solnishko.” His voice was low, almost thoughtful. “This finger looks empty.”

You tilted your head slightly, as if to look up at him, but he didn’t move, just kept his chin resting on your head as he toyed with your hand.

“Maybe I should do something about that.” Alexei murmured, his tone half-teasing but unmistakably sincere. “Like put a ring on it, Zolotse.”