Chapter 8.

NORA CARUSO. I let out a breath the moment Nikolai walked out of my room. My legs gave out, and I sank onto the floor, pulling the robe tighter around me until my knuckles turned white. My skin still burned at the way he had looked at me. Like he was starving, and I was the only meal in a hundred miles and then he said those words as if I disgust him. I sat there for twenty minutes, staring at the wall, finally gathering my strength, I went to the closet and grabbed a high-necked cashmere sweater and a pair of thick wool trousers. Just as I pulled the sweater over my head, a soft knock sounded at the door. I froze. "Who is it?" "It is Maya, Madam. One of the house staff," a young, hesitant voice replied. "Come in." The door opened, and a girl no older than twenty stepped in. "Good evening, Mrs. Volkov. Dinner is served in the main dining room. The Master is waiting." "I'm not hungry," I said instantly. The thought of sitting across from him, watching him made my throat close up. "Pleas