After sipping the water, Kira shyly glanced at the man who had stirred an unexpected desire for intimacy within her. The stranger walked over to the fireplace, crouched down, and tossed in a few more logs, watching the bright flames dance. He was tall, broad-shouldered, with excellent posture and a short, neat haircut. A brunette with a light stubble on his face and striking deep blue eyes that could drive anyone crazy. He looked to be around forty, carrying a serious, almost melancholic expression despite the teasing smile that never left his lips. Unlike Kira, he wasn’t dressed for a party; he wore dark blue skinny jeans and a black long-sleeve shirt that hugged his torso, accentuating his strong muscles.
When the man turned to face Kira, she quickly lowered her eyes, overwhelmed by a sudden wave of embarrassment as his gaze met hers. Normally, Kira was calm, responsible, and well-mannered, but she always knew how to stand up for herself and respond to insults. Sober, she would never have dared—let alone considered—making the first move to kiss a stranger. It was all the champagne’s fault. Now, as her vision slowly cleared and the alcohol’s haze began to lift, Kira wanted nothing more than to leave her uncle’s house as quickly as possible. She longed to be back in her apartment, to try and forget the humiliation she’d just endured. She stood up to leave, but her legs refused to cooperate, and she plopped back onto the couch.
“I’m guessing you’re eager to head downstairs for another glass of champagne? But judging by the look of you, I’d advise against it,” the stranger said, narrowing his eyes as he continued to study Kira. “Who knows, you might start throwing yourself at men again. Though, I wouldn’t say you come off as reckless. I’m guessing the alcohol just got you all worked up. And you probably don’t have a boyfriend, since you’re here alone on a night like this, and in this state. But…”
“Please, stop with your assumptions.”
She had never let anyone speak to her in such a rude way before. If she weren’t still tipsy, she’d know exactly how to respond, but right now, stringing together even a couple of words was a struggle. So, Kira said the first thing that came to mind to defend herself:
“Just so you know, I turned down a marriage proposal recently. And he’s not the first guy I’ve said no to, so I don’t have any trouble with men. Don’t get the wrong idea. I just tripped, that’s all. I need to get home. Call me a cab.”
“In ten minutes, the clock will strike midnight, so catching a cab right now will be tough. Let’s ring in the New Year together here in the library, and then I’ll drive you home,” the man said, walking over and sitting next to Kira on the couch. “How about we introduce ourselves? I’m Timur. And you are?”
“Kira. But I’m not staying in this library with you. And I’m definitely not celebrating New Year’s with you. I should go downstairs to the other guests if I can’t get home. I’d rather spend it with them than alone with you,” Kira said, standing up and smoothing the hem of her green dress. She felt steadier on her feet now. “Honestly, I wanted to spend this New Year’s by myself.”
“So, what stopped you? Why’d you change your mind?” Timur asked, his eyes drifting down to Kira’s legs.
“Because…”
But Kira didn’t get to finish her sentence. The wall clock above the fireplace chimed midnight, and outside, a loud burst of fireworks lit up the room, startling her. She stumbled, losing her footing, and fell right into Timur’s arms as he sat on the couch. They were pressed close together, their eyes meeting once again. Kira felt a spark ignite within her. She closed her eyes. A wave of excitement coursed through her, a longing to give in to him. For the first time in her life, she wanted to surrender to a stranger without asking any questions. But her better judgment prevailed. She wasn’t capable of that, nor did she want to become someone who went against her principles. With all her strength, she pressed her palms against his chest and pushed herself away, trying to stand. She could feel his heartbeat and swallowed hard, fighting the lump in her throat.
“Happy New Year, Kira,” Timur said, his gaze involuntarily dropping to her full chest. Feeling the passion burning in her, he stood up from the couch and added brazenly, “I can see you’re still burning with desire to end up in bed with me.”
“How dare you… You’re a jerk…” Kira raised her hand to slap him, her emotions boiling over with anger at the feelings he stirred in her.
But Timur caught her hand and twisted it behind her back, pressing himself close and staring directly into her eyes. She breathed heavily but didn’t look away, until she couldn’t take it anymore:
“Let go, you’re hurting me…”
“No woman has ever raised a hand to me,” Timur said, releasing her and stepping back toward the fireplace. “Let’s forget this misunderstanding. We’ll pretend I misread the situation and made a bad joke.”
“And how exactly did you read the situation?” Kira asked, her voice rising, noticeably more sober now.
“I thought you wanted to have a good time in my arms on this New Year’s night,” Timur replied. “But in reality, you don’t even know what you want.”
“I know what I want,” Kira shot back. “I want to go home. And I’m sorry for my behavior. I shouldn’t have drunk so much champagne. I hope we never cross paths again and that we can both forget this unpleasant incident.”
“It wasn’t all that unpleasant,” Timur said with a faint smile. “I accept your apology, and I’m sorry too. But I do hope we’ll meet again.”
“Your hopes are pointless, so don’t waste your time,” Kira said, heading for the door to finally leave the library.
She tugged at the doorknob once, then twice, but it wouldn’t budge. With a nervous laugh, she pulled harder, to no avail.
“We’re locked in,” Kira exclaimed, spinning around to call Timur for help, but he was already approaching. Their eyes met again, and once more, his gaze mesmerized her, leaving her frozen.
“I doubt anyone locked us in. More likely, the lock jammed when you slammed the door,” Timur said, standing so close to her. She wanted to step back, but couldn’t—behind her were the unyielding doors. “Please move aside so I can take a look.”
But Kira didn’t move, and Timur placed both hands on her shoulders, trying to shift her out of the way so he could inspect the lock. The touch of his warm hands sent a jolt through her body. She wondered what it would feel like if those same hands embraced her. Stop it, she scolded herself, shaking her head to dispel the thoughts, suppressing her desire.
“Don’t worry so much,” Timur said, stepping away from the door and heading to the writing desk. He began pulling out drawer after drawer, hoping to find something sharp. “I’ll try to get the door open. In the meantime, you can sit down before you fall again.”
“Can you stop mocking me?” Kira snapped, snapping out of her daze. “Just hurry up and open the door. I can’t stand being alone with you any longer.”
“And why can’t you stand it?” Timur asked, finally finding a letter opener.
He returned to the door and resumed his attempt to unlock it, pressing his shoulder against it.
“Kira, why aren’t you answering? I guess you’re at a loss for words to describe your feelings. Come on now…” And with that, the lock gave way, and the door swung open.
“Goodbye,” Kira muttered under her breath, darting out of the library like a bullet.
As she descended the stairs, she tried to calm herself so none of the many guests would notice her flustered state. But honestly, it was unlikely anyone would pay attention. The guests were busy chatting, dancing, drinking, and wishing each other a Happy New Year with cheerful exclamations. Some, caught up in the buzz of alcohol, danced better than professionals and tried to sing along to the music, while others simply stood with plates in hand, munching on appetizers and watching the scene. In short, everyone was having a blast, the party was in full swing, and how anyone looked didn’t matter in the slightest.
“Oh, my dear niece, Happy New Year, my sweet girl,” Uncle Herman Fedorovich approached Kira and gave her a warm hug. “I wish you unforgettable happiness in the new year.”
“Happy New Year to you too,” Kira replied, returning the embrace. “I’m heading home now.”
“Don’t tell me you’re not enjoying the party?” Kira noticed that Herman Fedorovich was slightly tipsy.
“The party’s great, but I want to go home…”
“Timur Andriyovich! I was wondering where you’d disappeared to. I wanted to introduce you to some of the most esteemed citizens of our city,” Herman Fedorovich said, delighted to see Timur descending the stairs behind Kira. “Happy New Year, and please, meet my dear, beloved niece, Kira.”
“What?” Timur seemed genuinely surprised. “Kira is your niece?”
“I suppose it’s unexpected that my niece is so beautiful,” Herman Fedorovich said with a satisfied smile. “Kira, dear, say hello to Timur Andriyovich, my honored guest from the capital, a remarkable man who will take our city to new heights.”
“Uncle, that’s all very interesting, but I’m still heading home. I’ve got a splitting headache,” Kira said, attempting to turn and leave quickly without even glancing at Timur.
“Of course, it’s a shame something’s bothering you on New Year’s Eve. I won’t keep you any longer,” her uncle said, hugging her once more and kissing her forehead. Then he turned to Timur. “Would you mind driving my treasure, my precious niece, home? I remember you don’t drink, which means you’re completely sober and can easily get behind the wheel. You can take my car.”
“I can use my own,” Timur replied. “Don’t worry, Herman Fedorovich. I’ll get your niece home safe and sound…”
“No, I’m fine. Uncle, I can manage on my own…”
“Kira, don’t argue with your elders,” Herman Fedorovich interrupted sternly. “Timur Andriyovich is a good man, and…”
“My dear Herman,” the mayor’s wife approached them. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. You’re needed right away. Vasya is telling the funniest jokes, you’ve got to hear this…”
“I’m coming. Timur Andriyovich, I’m entrusting my treasure to your care. And once again, Happy New Year.”
“Happy New Year to you too…”