[ There are so many reasons why he hadn't told her these things to start with. She had barely believed him, and maybe wouldn't have entertained him at all if he'd tried to explain the whole of it.
But maybe she believes him now. Or understands some part of it that hadn't been clear to her before.
Alina kisses him, and Nikolai makes a soft sound into her mouth, his hands tightening around her waist. Bows into her, drawing her into him. Kisses her until he loses his breath, and stops to put his forehead against hers. Breathe there, nose brushing Alina's.
They've kissed before, yes, but now— ]
Moya zhena, [ he murmurs. ] I would have waited a lifetime for you.
no subject
But maybe she believes him now. Or understands some part of it that hadn't been clear to her before.
Alina kisses him, and Nikolai makes a soft sound into her mouth, his hands tightening around her waist. Bows into her, drawing her into him. Kisses her until he loses his breath, and stops to put his forehead against hers. Breathe there, nose brushing Alina's.
They've kissed before, yes, but now— ]
Moya zhena, [ he murmurs. ] I would have waited a lifetime for you.