His fingers stayed there, touching the skin behind her ear. It was a soft touch, but it felt like fire. Nathan leaned in just an inch more. He was so close that Viktoria could feel the heat coming off him. His eyes dropped to her lips, and for a second, the whole world outside that kitchen didn't exist. There was no Nikolai, no fake photos, and no scary men in the woods. There was just the two of them and a memory that was trying to force its way back to life.
Viktoria's heart was beating against her ribs like a trapped bird. She knew she should pull away. She knew she should say something to break the spell, but her body wouldn't move. She felt like she was drowning in his gaze, and she didn't want to be saved. Nathan's breath hitched, and he tilted his head, his face drifting closer until their lips were almost touching.
"Mummy?"
The small, sleepy voice from the doorway was like a bucket of ice water.
