Chapter 179: Blood and Butterflies (2)

Ophelia opened her mouth to speak, "Nik..." But before she could complete his name, Nikolai had already seized her, shoving her forcefully against the cracked wall. His powerful arm encircled her waist, pinning her securely and preventing her back from being crushed against the hard surface. His eyes, wild and intense, fixed upon her with an archaic fervor. Her chest heaved with the effort to steady her breath, and her eyes flickered with uncertainty. The heat radiating from her body mingled with her swirling thoughts, turning her mind into a muddled mess. "Do you want to talk about what happened a few moments ago?" Nikolai’s voice was serious, his gaze widening with a fervent intensity. He twirled a finger around the rope of her shirt, his tone insistent. "That is the past, darling. Focus on the present. Look at me." With a swift motion, he yanked the rope, tearing her shirt from her chest and tossing it aside. His eyes flared with an intense hunger as he took in the sight of her b