Chapter Forty-five

“Are you okay?”

“Yes.”

“Isobelle-”

Belle slapped Nikolai's hand the moment it made contact with her skin. The part of her brain that was in charge of self-defense recognizes Nikolai as danger and has its guards up. “Don’t touch me, and please stay away from me.”

“Sorry. It’s just that your cheeks are so red. Are you okay?”

She is fine. Nothing's wrong with her body. The only thing that was wrong was the things that were running through her head.

Oh, damn all those thoughts.

She kept her legs closed together, ashamed of the heat she was feeling in between. She was even scared that she might see such scenes again if she’d closed her eyes.

“I'm okay. Don't mind me. Just keep driving.”

The rest of the ride was quiet. Through the window, Belle saw Nikolai stealing glances from her and whenever he would, that memory flashes back before her eyes.

She swallowed the lump in her throat. All she needs is a distraction and a Nikolai-free place.

‘He’s your flame, Belle. You would burn if you go ne