Thunder rolls outside, the steady rain tapping against the windows. You stir restlessly, but Nikolai doesn’t budge he’s stretched out beside you, shirt undone, eyes half-open. When you try to rise, he lets out a deep groan and his hand shoots out, catching your waist with ease as you squeal with a giggle, he chuckles.

“Not tonight, sweetheart,” he mutters, voice hoarse from exhaustion.

“You move, I chase. And I’m too damn tired to chase.”

You roll your eyes, he presses a kiss to your temple, almost like a secret.

“You don’t get it. Out there, I’ve got enemies. In here? I’ve only got you. So please my darling, Let me have this, just a little longer.”