Adeline took a moment before turning only to bump her forehead into a solid chest.
She lifted her head, immediately coming face to face with the man, who now stood facing her, hands shoved into the pocket of his coat. He was staring down at her smaller figure with forest-green eyes that almost seemed to burn.
"What?" she asked, glancing over at the car. "It was an accident, and it wasn't really my fault."
"Oh?" was all the man gave as a response.
She watched his face scrunch coldly and knowing it would only cause trouble to argue with him, she quickly smiled at him, waving her hands.
"Listen, I'll pay you," she said. "I'll pay you for the damages, just not right now. I really have somewhere to be, so take my number from him." An apologetic smile was on her face as she pointed at Sokolov before hurrying past him to cross the road.
But the man grabbed her hand, pulling her back.
Adeline was confused, not sure what was going on. Her heart had begun pounding in her ears, perplexed by the way he was intently peering down at her as if he knew her.
They've never met before. His face wasn't familiar at all and she was sure she didn't know him.
"I-I said I'll pay you," she stuttered with a grimace, trying to snatch her hand back. "I really have somewhere to be. Let go."
But he, however, yanked her closer, bending and leaning in till his nose rested close to her neck. One, two, he sniffed twice, his eyes switching to a sudden tint of gold. It was quick, but he'd pulled back with a softened expression, letting go to lower his gaze on her.
Adeline was staring at him, face scrunched and eyes widened in shock. She was at a loss for words.
What the… What just happened?
Did she just get sniffed by a stranger? Someone she'd never met before?
Her immediate step backs were cautious and before the man who'd parted his lips could say a word, Adeline fled at her maximum speed, crossing the road and flagging down an incoming taxi.
He turned, his narrowed eyes watching her intently. His gaze didn't waver even after the taxi she'd boarded drove off, and only when they were completely out of sight did he look away.
"Nikolai." He finally spoke, his voice deep and husky.
The driver quickly stopped his argument with Sokolov and hurried closer to the young man. "Supreme Alpha?"
The young man of about the age of thirty immediately snarled at him. "Haven't I told you not to call me that when we're outside?"
Nikolia's heart instantly jumped to his throat in fear, and he bowed his head apologetically. "S-sir Caesar."
"Stop a taxi," the man, Caesar, said with utmost disinterest in the situation and threw his lighter into the pocket of his coat.
Nikolai nodded and took a few moments before stopping an approaching cab with no passengers. He opened the door for him and stepped aside to give him space.
Caesar sat down and lowered his head to glance at the Petek Phillippe brand of watch clasped around his wrist. He scowled at the time and rested against the seat, throwing his head back in vexation.
Settling down beside the driver, Nikolai locked his seat belt and turned his head to glance at him. "Sir, please forgive-"
"Don't you think that woman looked familiar?" he asked suddenly, his eyes lazily shut. "I think I've seen her somewhere before. Perhaps in a photo or something."
"Who?" Nikolai blinked, confused and lost.
Caesar immediately shot him a glare, one that had him drawing his head back a little and chuckling awkwardly.
"You mean the woman that got out of the car? Yes, she seemed familiar," he said.
"Where have we seen her before?" Caesar probed, curious.
Nikolai stroked his jaw, pondering thoughtfully with a creased face. "I'm not sure, but I think I've seen her with Dimitri. If I remember correctly, she is his legal wife."
"Dimitri?" Caesar raised an unpleasant brow at him. "Which Dimitri?" Surely, it can't be Petrov's successor.
"Dimitri Andreevich Petrov." Nikolai nodded, seeming to have had a full recollection. "I didn't recognize her at first glance considering I've only seen her up close once, but I'm definitely sure that is her."
Caesar turned his gaze to the window, glancing at the roadside buildings. A thoughtful expression emerged on his face, and his lips slowly angled into a sudden, unreadable grin.
Eyes grew dark, something uncomprehending burning in them. "I see."
"Interesting…"