Execution (Off Balance 2)

I swallowed a sigh and stepped out of his embrace. "Okay, but I have to take care of something first. Meet me at my place in twenty?"

Hayden grabbed my forearm, confusion written all over his face. "Where are you going?"

I eyed the ground, reluctant to answer. "I need to tell Kova something."

"No!"

I looked up. "Hayden, I'll explain when I see you later, but you have to let me go talk to him."

Hayden's nostrils flared, not pleased with my response but he agreed anyway. The very last thing on earth I wanted right now was to look at Kova after we were caught, but the truth of the matter was I needed something from him. I needed that stupid little white pill he loved to feed me like candy.

With my shoulders back and chin up, I marched back toward the entrance of World Cup. Each step filled with a little more determination. By the time I reached the front door my emotions had cooled and my tears had dried up. I pulled the door open and stepped inside. The smell of powdery chalk permeated the air and the sound of parallel bars ricocheted in the background. Making my way to Kova's office, I turned left and walked down the narrow hallway. Once I reached his door, I grasped the handle and flung the door open, then slammed it shut behind me.

Kova sat motionless, his eyes unmoving. His eerie silence and calculating stare riled up my nerves. I sucked in a small gasp, my heart pounded as his eyes lowered to thin slits, and an unspoken warning filled the air.

Barely concealing his feelings, I could feel his anger simmering below the surface. My skin prickled with awareness. He quietly laid his pen down and leaned back in his leather chair.

"Did you fix things with Hayden? He is going to keep his mouth shut, yes?" he stated more than asked.

"Yes…for the most part."

He growled, his top lip curling under. "For the most part is not enough for me. Fix it, Adrianna. Now."

I lowered my eyes. "I trust him not to say anything."

"And I do not."

"Seems like a personal problem." Deep creases formed between his brows and I let out an aggravated sigh. I shook my head. "I made an agreement with him to cover your indiscretions."

One brow lifted to a high peak. His eyes hadn't moved from mine. "Surely you must mean to cover our indiscretions. You are as much to blame as I am, and very willing if I remember correctly." He smirked. "The way you tightened around me as you came… How you breathed hard in my ear and locked your legs around my back. Do not pretend that you did not enjoy what you got or that this is somehow all my fault." He paused, and his eyes darkened. "You loved every second of it. Admit it."

I looked away, my cheeks blushing. I was embarrassed. "Listen, you need to get me the pill again."

"What makes you think I will get it for you this time?" he asked, his voice low and controlled.

My lips parted, astonished by his indifferent attitude and lack of caring if I got pregnant.

"Why wouldn't you? You've gotten it every other time."

He gave me a blasé shrug. "You are a big girl, more than capable of getting it yourself."

I clenched my jaw, my anger growing from his unmoving gaze. He got under my skin in one sentence and monotone voice. "God! Why do you have to be such an asshole? Do you wake up every day with a goal of people to piss off? Do you get off on hurting people? What is your issue?" I shook my hand back and forth, dismissing him. "You know what, don't answer that. I don't give a shit. You're a disgusting person."

He frowned, but didn't say a word. Unbelievable. Seething, I marched to the door and grabbed the knob.

"Adrianna." He called my name and I ignored him.

"Adrianna." I stiffened, my back rigid from the way Kova stressed the pronunciation of my name a second time. I peered over my shoulder and watched as he grabbed a set of keys off his desk. Leaning down, he opened a drawer and pulled something out. He slammed it shut, relocking the drawer, and waved the offending box in my direction.

My eyes narrowed, fury igniting in my veins once again.

"You kept that hidden in your office?" I said in a high-pitched whisper. "Where anyone could find it? What were you thinking?"

I stalked toward him and reached out. Before I could pluck it from his hand, he shot forward and grasped my forearm.

"Why would anyone assume it is yours? Ria, have you forgotten I am in a long-term relationship with Katja and have been for many years?" I couldn't help focusing on his lips as he drew out every word. The heavy inflection in his accent sent chills up my spine, while warmth pooled in my belly. Stupid Russian.

"Of course I haven't."