from me. Why did I even care what he thought?
I didn't.
Liar.
Nikolai didn't say anything to my statement. After several long beats, I found myself looking at him. I foolishly hoped maybe he was asleep and hadn’t heard my comment but no, he was watching me with penetrating eyes that had me fighting the urge to squirm in my seat.
Actually, his gorgeous dark eyes made me want to leave my seat altogether and join him on his… okay, not on his seat but on his lap.
The image of me straddling him as Nikolai settled his large hands on my backside while his mouth took ownership of mine had me muttering a soft curse beneath my breath. The rest of the short trip to my apartment building was made in silence.
I felt a little more in control once we were out of the car. Nikolai was walking slightly ahead of me as we neared the entrance of the building. His eyes continuously scanned the area around us. Not just to the left and right but above as well. I admired his focus but that didn't mean I wanted that attention on me.
I couldn't have it on me.
"Good evening, Mr. Archer," the doorman said as he opened the door for me.
"James," I said with a nod of my head. I stepped through the door, but then stopped before Nikolai could enter the building. I turned back to James and said, "James, this is Nikolai Falkov. He is not a resident of this building nor is he my guest. Would you please escort him from the property and contact the authorities if he attempts to enter the building?" I glanced at Nikolai and said, "You have a good evening now, Nik."
I could tell that Nikolai was irritated but he seemed otherwise unfazed. He nodded his head at me and said, “You too, Jude." He paused for a brief moment and then added, "I'll see you soon."
The ominous warning put me on edge but I told myself to ignore it. Like it or not, Nikolai had no standing to enter my building. I'd won this round and somehow I’d figure out how to win the next. It was what I did. I always stayed a step ahead of things so I wouldn't fall flat on my face.
Never again.
For the first time all day, I felt a little bit more at ease. But once I reached the door to my apartment, I actually found myself hesitating. My building was secure, but how secure?
I cursed Nikolai for putting thoughts in my head that didn't belong there. I unlocked my door and entered the apartment. I spent the next hour winding down as I went through the motions of making dinner and setting myself up to succeed the next day. I was just sitting down to eat when there was a knock at my door.
My heart lurched in my chest. I didn't know any of my neighbors and since all visitors were announced, I couldn't even imagine who was at my door. Because of Nikolai, all sorts of illogical thoughts as to who it could be went through my head.
“Get a grip, Jude," I muttered as I climbed to my feet and went to the door. I cursed the fact that I hadn't thought to have a peephole installed.
I put the flimsy chain on the door like I was in some slasher flick and opened it a notch to see who was on the other side.
"You’ve got to be kidding me," I muttered when I saw Nikolai standing there. "What are you doing here?" I asked. "I'm calling the cops."
I went to shut the door, but Nikolai put his foot in it.
"Now, is that how you talk to all your new neighbors, Jude?" he asked.
"My new what?" I asked, certain I hadn't heard him. I forced the door shut and then removed the chain so I could yank the door completely open. "My new what?" I repeated in disbelief.
Nikolai held up a key. I could see the number fifteen on the keychain along with the logo for my building.
What the hell?
"Those aren't real," I bit out. "What did you do, steal them?"
Nikolai leaned against the doorframe. "Your boyfriend does quick work," he murmured. "One call and your neighbors suddenly felt the need to upgrade to a nicer place. Whatever price Hayes offered them for the place was just too good to pass up, I guess."
As if on cue, the door to the apartment next to mine opened and