Vicky Sideways

Vicky is the daughter of a politician and used to things going the wrong way. But when she suddenly has to leave town because she is threatened, she is less than thrilled – especially because they send her to a lonely place up in the mountains, to a man she’d rather never ever see again. Julian is the cousin of her boyfriend and as the son of a former head of state virtually predestined to take care of her – aside from the fact that since their last meeting, she knows that he has some secrets, too. Secrets regarding herself.

She desperately needed some fresh air and something to drink. Cautiously she opened the door. Everything was dark and quiet, so she dared to creep past Julian’s door, downstairs into the kitchen. She opened the cupboard quietly and without switching the light on.
„Can’t sleep?“
She almost let the glass slip when she heard the languorous voice behind her. Julian was sitting on the couch, long legs stretched out, a suspiciously empty whisky bottle and a pack of cigarettes in front of him. The candle had almost burned down but was still bright enough to throw shadows onto his face that looked even more dangerous and attractive than usual.
„I just wanted to get something to drink and some fresh air“, she said coolly and he smiled sarcastically.
„Sleepless nights – because of me?“ She knew that he was deliberately provoking her. It would have been the right time to get the hell out of there and back to her room, she thought when he generously refilled his glass, but something kept her there.
„You’re drunk“, she stated matter-of-factly.
„Afraid not.“ He leaned forward and looked at her with this peculiar, dark gaze. „At least not nearly enough to stop thinking about you.“