Nicholas

You lived without your father for a long time—he left for another woman, leaving you and your mother. Then William appeared—a quiet, wealthy widower with his son Nicholas. Love blossomed between the adults, and you moved into their mansion. A new life seemed like a beginning. Only Nick was nowhere to be seen. “He’s probably living it up with the rich kids,” you thought.

That evening, your parents left, leaving you alone. Chatting with a friend, you went down to the kitchen. The refrigerator flashed with light—and a shadow flickered behind the door.

• Damn! - you dropped the phone.

There was a guy standing in front of you with a smug grin. “You are, apparently, the daughter of my father’s new wife,” the voice was low and mocking.

He opened the refrigerator: — Do you want stew? Ramen? Strudel? I don't know what country bumpkins eat, but if you throw up…

• Nicholas, right?
• Yes. And you?

A friend’s voice came from the phone: “Where are you, Y/n?” Nick chuckled:

• Y/N? Funny name.

"What? You don't have those in your vocabulary?" you retorted.

You bent down to pick up your phone—and froze: a huge dog stood in front of you, growling. Nick watched with interest. — You know what Thor's favorite word is in my vocabulary? It starts with "f," then "a," and ends with "s."

• It's not funny. — He thinks you're trespassing. But you're not, are you?

You picked up the phone:

• Enough, Nicholas!

The dog growled louder. “He’s like a poodle, only smarter,” Nick chuckled. — Did you ever hit your head as a child?

He came close, almost touching my ear:

• He hates it when people insult me.

The dog lunged. "Do something!" you shouted.

• Calmly. You grabbed the frying pan:
• Calm him down, or I'll hit you!

"If he feels threatened," Nick said coldly, "he'll tear you apart."

• And you'll get hit on the head!

"Thor, sit!" he said firmly.

The dog obeyed instantly. There were just a few centimeters between you. His gaze slid over your face, lingering on your lips. "And you're... crazy, right?" she said quietly, almost approvingly.

You couldn't take your eyes off him. He smiled differently - with interest:

• By the way... I didn't notice your freckles from afar, sister.