Alexi catches me by the upper arm, naked in the flimsy nightgown I’m wearing, and pulls me back into his embrace, wrapping me up and holding me tight. Giving me no choice but to remain his prisoner in a manly hug close to boa constrictor pressure. He grips me tight, his heartbeat pounding through his chest against mine, almost in unison.

“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to push; I know how much this means. It does to me too. I’m scared of losing you, and I’m trying to be patient, ...