'TIL DEATH DO US PART (Silent Demons Book 2)

by C. Luca

  His response comes quicker than the last. I’m working.

  My eyebrows shoot upwards. He’s working on what? Some poor soul or his legitimate business? I’m not one to back down, so I text, Did I catch you in the middle of killing someone?

  What if you did? he replies almost immediately.

  Then I would ask what he or she did to deserve it, I send back.

  A minute goes by until his reply appears on the screen. Then I would say that’s highly confidential information.

  I roll my eyes. Of course, I text. Then, I wait to see if he’ll continue the conversation we’d started.

  Why aren’t you scared of me?

  I stare at the message that popped up on the screen.

  Good question.

  Even I seem to find the answer to be elusive. I decide to be honest. I don’t know, I reply.

  Minutes go by as I stare at the screen. I wonder if he’s waiting for me to say more or if he’s ready to end the conversation. I figure I’ve bothered him enough for the night. As much as I’d like to continue this, I know it’s wise to keep it short. Especially when I’m trying not to appear too enthusiastic.

  Night, I send to him.

  After another minute, he replies, Goodnight, Blakely.

  * * *

  When Nikolai doesn’t appear at the club the following night, I mentally lecture myself over being disappointed. He hasn’t dropped by since that one and only time I’d caught sight of him sitting at a table.

  Yet, every night when I’m working, I find myself watching for him.

  Do I really want him coming to my place of work to watch me? Shouldn’t that give me creepy vibes?

  Somehow, the idea excites me. I want him to be so focused on me that he can’t stay away.

  Time seems to crawl by slowly as I work. I’m distracted by Nikolai and our text conversation from last night, but not enough to prevent me from flirting to increase tips.

  I wonder if Nikolai will always leave it to me to make contact, and I’m hoping that won’t be the case. It would be nice to know if he’s as curious about me as I am of him.

  My shift drags on for far too long, and for once, I’m relieved when it’s over. I step outside the club, huddled in my coat. I’m preparing to brace myself against the cold Chicago night air when I spy Nikolai standing on the sidewalk, positioned far enough away from lingering patrons to draw my attention.

  I’m caught off guard by the sight of him as he patiently stands there, the wind stirring his dark hair. Although the sight of him is completely unexpected, it’s very welcoming. I walk over, enjoying how his eyes seem to be riveted on me. It also doesn’t escape my notice that a trio of young women huddling together as they wait for their ride, keep glancing Nikolai’s way as they admire his good looks. If Nikolai’s aware of them, he doesn’t show it.

  He tilts his head in the direction of the SUV idling at the curb, a clear invitation to leave with him.

  I might want to know more about him, but I’m not ready to test his trustworthiness. I peer up at him as the wind whips around my short hair. “Thank you, but I prefer the L.”

  His expression slides into a frown.

  “You can join me if you’d like,” I offer. I’d like to spend time with him, but it’ll have to be on my terms.

  He doesn’t respond as he stands before me for a long moment. It’s hard to read him, but I think he’s struggling with some sort of internal battle. The man seems to enjoy control, so my guess is he isn’t appreciating that I’m rejecting the invitation, and he’s debating whether to give into mine.

  At long last, he gives in and nods, though he doesn’t look thrilled.

  We begin walking down the sidewalk as the wind whips at our winterwear and hair. I’d forgotten my hat today. I am always hurrying out the door without everything that I need.

  The wind makes it too difficult to even consider carrying on a conversation—or at least a one-sided one—so I’m content to remain silent. Even so, I’m fully aware of him as we make our way to the train station.

  It isn’t until we enter one of the cars and snag two seats beside one another that he pulls his phone from his pocket.

  I automatically reach for mine as well. Patiently, I wait until his text pops up on my screen. How do you do it? Work eight hours during the day, and then another four to five at night?

  I’m not the least bit surprised that he knows I work at the distribution center during the day. I haven’t seen anyone following me, but I’m certain Jonah or someone else had been sent to gather as much information about my days and nights as possible.

  “I’ve trained my body to function with minimal sleep,” I tell him. About four hours is what I need to be able to capably function the following day.

  His eyes hold mine for a moment before returning to his phone. His next question appears on the screen. Why two jobs?

  I glance at him. “The apartment I rent doesn’t come cheap,” I explain as I try not to get too caught up in his eyes. I love how gray they are, and they’re quite striking.

  If Nikolai notes my scrutiny, he doesn’t let it show. He seems to think over my response, and then he turns his attention back to his phone.

  Before he can text me another question, I ask one of my own. “What do you do in the evenings when you’re not working?” I ask with bold curiosity.

  His eyes lift back to mine, and he regards me with a look, not bothering to reply as his fingers remain unmoving where they rest on his phone.

  I give him a peeved look. “I answered your questions,” I point out.

  His eyes slide away from me as he focuses on his phone, fingers now moving across the keyboard. I answer only what I want to answer, he replies.

  This earns him a look of my own. “I’ll remember that the next time you expect me to answer one of your questions.”

  His eyes narrow as he gives me a measured look, and then he types on his phone. You began this…thing, appears on my phone’s screen.

  I arch an eyebrow at him. “I’m not forcing you to walk me home.”

  Much to my surprise, he stiffly nods his concession before focusing on his phone once more. Do you enjoy working at the club?

  Well, at least I got him to admit he’s here on his own accord, so I decide to let the argument rest. “I do,” I reply in reference to his question. “I enjoy the music and the crowd.”

  His expression shifts to a hint of disapproval. Crowds can be dangerous, he texts.

  The censure in his eyes doesn’t bother me in the slightest. “Maybe for you, but I enjoy them.”

  His eyes hold mine for a long moment and then they drop to the phone. Why? he sends to my phone.

  I shrug. “Why not?”

  My stop has arrived, and both Nikolai and I tuck away our phones and rise to our feet. Once we reach the street level, I duck my head against the brutal wind and burrow deeper into my coat.

  I’m absolutely shocked when Nikolai slips his arm around me, shielding me from the wind. I instinctively move closer to him, my shoulder tucked under his arm, my side touching his. With his height and build, I am completely protected from the wind, and as strange as it sounds, I feel safe.

  I honestly believe that Nikolai would never hurt me.

  The scent of his cologne tickles my nose, and it’s such a sexy scent.

  As we walk, his warmth seeping into my coat and skin, I debate what to do next. I’d really like to continue our conversation, and considering he has his arm around me, I think it’s safe to say that we’re tentatively exploring this connection we seem to have.

  My gut tells me I have no reason to fear for my life any further. So why not invite him up to the apartment so we can talk further? It really is the safest place to have a one on one with him.

  When we reach the apartment building, I tilt my head and look up at him, remaining comfortably tucked against his side. “Want to come up for a bit?”

  His eyes lock intently on mine as he searches my gaze, and then he incline
s his head.

  After swiping my card to enter the building, Nikolai opens the door for me and follows me inside. The security guard behind the desk briefly glances our way as I lead Nikolai to the elevator.

  Inside, we’re both silent as the elevator carries us up to the sixth floor. Nikolai’s hands are in his coat pockets, and he’s casually standing there, looking patient and unreadable.

  The doors slide open a moment later, and we step out into the hall. I pull out my keys, and Nikolai follows me to the apartment door. I’m very much aware of him standing behind me as I unlock it and push it open. As we cross the threshold, I note the lights are on so Ava must be home.

  I turn to close the door, but Nikolai closes it for me before crowding me against the wall, his lips claiming mine as his arms wrap around my waist. I’m shocked by the suddenness of it, but my body is quickly coming alive. I’ve been aching to be with him again even after everything he’d put me through.

  His tongue taunts mine, stroking it and demanding a reaction.

  I’m all for this, so as our tongues tangle, I reach between us and begin unbuttoning his coat. Nikolai has other ideas though, and without breaking the kiss, he brushes my hands aside and makes quick work of my coat. Once that’s been released and pushed aside, his fingers are on the button of my jeans.

  My breath hitches as I feel the zipper slide down. His teeth brush across my lower lip as his hand slides inside my panties, his fingers coming into contact with my wetness. One finger sinks into me, and I moan into his mouth, begging for more.

  Nikolai abruptly goes still before yanking his hand from my panties. Much to my shock, he spins around to give me his back, his body shielding mine as if he’s facing a threat.

  I peer over his shoulder and see Ava standing there. Her long hair is pulled up into her usual sloppy ponytail, and she’s wearing just a tee and panties, a bowl of ice cream in hand as she watches us. Her blue eyes gleam with amusement. “Don’t stop on my account,” she muses.

  I quickly move around Nikolai, touching his shoulder to calm him. “This is my roommate, Ava. Ava, this is Nikolai,” I introduce.

  He hadn’t given me a moment to consider that Ava might interrupt us. Realizing that my jeans are still undone, I zip and button them.

  Ava grins widely and releases her spoon to wiggle her fingers at Nikolai in a little wave. “Hi there.”

  He doesn’t even crack a smile, and irritation is radiating off him in waves as he stares hard at Ava. This isn’t exactly how I’d planned to introduce the two of them. Though that’s not my fault, Nikolai is the one who’d jumped on me as soon as we’d entered the apartment.

  Very calmly, I bend down and pick up my purse from where it’d fallen to the floor. Then, I touch Nikolai’s arm, which is hard as steel beneath my touch. Gently, I tug on it, signaling I want to lead him to my room.

  His cool eyes don’t leave Ava as he allows me to pull him out of the room, and as soon as she’s out of his sight, his eyes shift back to me.

  They narrow dangerously.

  He’s quite pissed.

  I turn my back on him and lead him to my room, closing the door behind us. After turning on the lamp on the floor situated next to the mattress, I turn around to see Nikolai scowling as his fingers fly over his phone’s screen.

  The phone in my purse begins to vibrate. I open my bag and pull out the phone before dropping the bag on the mattress.

  You have a roommate?

  My eyes lift back to his. “Yes, we met six months ago.”

  A muscle is throbbing in his jaw as he gives me a dark look, and then he resumes typing on his phone. His shoulders are tense, and I know our brief mindless moment of desire is now a thing of the past.

  Why didn’t you tell me? pops up on my phone’s screen.

  I shrug, keeping the conversation casual. “Why does it matter?”

  I already know it does to him, because he’ll have to be careful around her. But I want to see what his response will be. I’m also kind of glad that he hadn’t known. I’d managed to keep something from him after all, but I’m also frustrated over the interruption.

  My body is still aching for him.

  He gives me a measured look that clearly states I should have known better. His focus returns to his phone so he can send his reply.

  A second later, his response appears. I prefer privacy. You should know this by now.

  “Ava’s harmless,” I assure.

  His expression is one of full disagreement even as he begins to exude calmness. He’s managed to pull together his temper.

  I fold my arms across my chest, beginning to relax now that he doesn’t look so angry. “Seriously, she could care less who you are. Besides, she’s more focused on rebuilding her life than what’s going on with mine.”

  His eyes drop to his phone, and I patiently wait until the phone in my palm vibrates. I unfold my arms so I can glance at the screen. I don’t like it.

  My eyes lift to his, and I give him a steady look. “You don’t have to like it.”

  His eyes narrow into thin slits.

  I’m not the slightest bit intimidated, and I firmly stand my ground. “She’s my best friend, she isn’t going anywhere,” I say confidently.

  Nikolai’s expression states he disagrees, and he rubs a hand over his face before he focuses once more on his phone. Come back to my place, he texts me.

  Just the thought sends chills down my spine, and I shake my head. “I will never step foot in that place again,” I say emphatically. However, I am pleased that he’s still focused on sex even after our disagreement.

  He appears to be exasperated with me now, and his brows furrow as his fingers run over his phone’s screen.

  I’m not going to lock you up, Blakely, appears on my phone.

  I lift an eyebrow and give him a look. “Do you trust me, Nikolai?” I ask bluntly.

  He doesn’t break eye contact with me but pointedly remains silent.

  “Exactly.” I walk over and touch his arm. “I can’t step foot in that place, because I will know that the basement is there.” I search his gaze. “If you want privacy, it has to be here,” I say quietly.

  His expression becomes impassive.

  I have no idea what he’s thinking, and it’s frustrating. “If we’re going to get to know each other, some of it needs to be on my terms,” I carefully add.

  He doesn’t like my statement, because his expression darkens.

  It’s time to back off and let him decide what comes next, so I remove my hand from his arm and wait.

  After a long moment, his eyes pull away from mine as he sends me another text.

  It’s late. Goodnight, Blakely, it reads.

  I’m disappointed, but I think it’s probably wise that we part ways so that we both can gather our thoughts on this evening’s events. I nod and walk to the bedroom door and open it, walking him back to the apartment door.

  “Night,” I say lightly to him as I open the door.

  He nods and then strides out of the apartment without a look back.

  With a soft sigh, I close the door and relock it. Ava’s nowhere to be seen, so I go back to my own room and strip down for bed.

  Nikolai seems to need control like he needs to breathe.

  None of this is going to be easy.

  TEN

  Nikolai

  As I enter the foyer of my home, I’m still aggravated over the sudden appearance of a roommate at Blakely’s earlier. Peter happens to be on his way out, and my thoughts promptly shift as my gaze lands on his arm held immobile by a sling.

  Bangkok hadn’t gone as smoothly as we’d hoped, and Peter had taken a bullet to his left shoulder. I’m still bothered that he was injured. First Theo dies, and now Peter takes a bullet. The incidents aren’t connected, but it’s a reminder that my men are not invisible. They’re well-trained, but shit happens.

  Due to Peter’s injury, he’s sidelined until Reed gives the okay that the wound won’t leave him vulnerable w
hen he’s out on a contract. Peter wasn’t thrilled, but I refuse to send anyone out on a job if they aren’t one hundred percent healthy.

  Peter gives me a respectful nod. “Sir,” he greets.

  I nod in acknowledgement. Peter and Jonah have become close friends, so I’m assuming that’s why he’s here. I avoid personal interaction, but as long as the others are careful, I can’t control who they want to spend time with. Though it is kind of late for a visit, but that’s a thought for another day.

  Peter takes his leave, and I slip off my coat as I head upstairs to my room. Once the coat is on a hanger in the closet, I walk to the mini bar in the corner of the room and pour myself a glass of bourbon. Then, I walk over to the armchair positioned in front of the window and sink down into it.

  I gaze out upon the dark, windy night.

  How could I have missed the fact that Blakely has a roommate?

  My lips thin as I recall the moment I’d realized that Blakely and I were not alone.

  For years, I’ve taken care to make certain my life has remained incredibly private due to my illegal interests. It’s why I’ve never bothered with relationships with women. All I’ve ever needed is just a good screw.

  This thing with Blakely is different.

  I’m thoroughly fascinated by her, and whereas one screw is usually all I’m interested in, I want another go at Blakely. I hadn’t planned on making a move on her tonight, but she was cold, and I’d instinctively wanted to shelter her from the wind. The second her body had come into contact with mine, I’d known exactly how I’d wanted the night to end.

  I hadn’t really expected her to invite me up so soon, but hell, I wasn’t about to not take her up on it. But now that I have time to think upon it, I wonder if that had been her original intention with her invitation, or had she simply wanted to talk?

  Doesn’t matter now.

  She’d made it clear she very much wanted to be with me, and that’s not something we can forget.

  I lift the glass to my lips and take a long drink as I stare broodingly out into the night.