17

Hidden dangers

I was becoming obsessed with unraveling the mystery that Nikolay posed for me, which would bring me many problems. So, all I had to do was repeat my plan over and over, convince myself to go through with sleeping with this man I despised...

I was pondering all this while Nikolay and I were on our way to Fernando's house in Russia. When we arrived, they embraced, then both looked at me to follow.

We strolled through snowy gardens, lending a majestic air to the grand mansion. Inside, the warmth prompted me to remove my coat before reaching the library, where we sat down and both started talking, as Nikolay had explained the plan:

"I apologize for what happened last night, Margaret..."

"Don't worry, Nikolay. It was my fault, and I truly apologize," the Latin man intervened.

"I see..."

"In reality, I came to ask you a favor," Nikolay stared at him.

"You know you can count on me. What is it?" Fernando asked.

"Could Margaret stay here until I return? It would only be a coupl