White Nights (White Nights 1)

“Mr. Volkov took care of everything.”

Right. Another perk of being an oligarch.

We don’t speak for the remainder of the ride to my apartment. Yuri parks in front of the main entrance of my building and comes around to get the door.

“Thank you,” I offer again. “Please tell Alex I appreciate the ride.”

He gives a slight nod and goes ahead to open the main entrance door of my building for me.

When he enters behind me, I say lightly, “You don’t have to play doorman. I’ll manage from here.”

His face remains serious. “Mr. Volkov wants me to see you inside safely.”

That’s a bit over the top, but since it’s clear that Yuri isn’t going to budge, I let him walk up the stairs ahead of me and check out the landing before he lets me unlock my door.

“Goodnight, Kate. Lock the door behind you.”

“Goodnight,” I say as I go inside. “Thanks again for the ride.”

He stands at attention until I close the door. His footsteps only fade on the landing after I’ve turned the key.

Already, my front door sports a brand-new double-bolt lock with a peephole and a camera allowing me to see who’s outside. The added measures of safety are enough. Alex doesn’t have to send Yuri to escort me like a bodyguard. This morning, Yuri waited outside my apartment until I’d changed to drive me to work. I told him then I didn’t need another lift, but he’s following Alex’s orders and will keep on doing so until I’ve dealt with Alex.

At least I haven’t seen Dimitri since last night.

Sighing, I kick off my shoes and sit down on the sofa to rub my aching feet. It’s been a grueling day. I yearn for a warm, relaxing bath, but I first want to charge the new phone.

I’m surprised to find it fully charged and set up when I take it out of the box. Alex saved his number in the contact list. Great. Now I have to call Alex and tell him our sex dates are over, so he stops it with the gifts and kind gestures.

You can do it, Kate.

Taking a deep breath, I dial his number.

He picks up on the first ring. His tone is warm and pleasant, as if he’s genuinely happy to hear from me. “Katyusha. How was your day?”

“Tiring.”

Voices sound in the background. “Hold on. I’m in a meeting. Give me a moment to step outside.”

“Oh, no. I—” I was going to say I don’t want to bother him and can call back later, but he’s already put me on hold.

His voice comes back a moment later. “How about dinner at my place? If you’re tired, we can have it in bed.”

My insides tighten in a disconcertingly delicious way. But no. However tempting, I’ve made my decision. I can’t go down this road.

Self-preservation, Kate, remember?

“Actually, I’m calling to tell you that seeing each other again isn’t a good idea.”

He’s silent for a while. If not for a door that slams in the background, I would wonder if he’s still there.

“I’m sorry,” I say when another second passes. “I appreciate the lunch and the rides, and that you’ve taken care of the police statement for me. Not to mention my new bank cards and phone. I just don’t think I can do this.”

“Do what?” he asks gently. “You enjoyed it, didn’t you?”

I bite my lip. “You know I did.”

“Then what’s holding you back?” He adds with an attempt at humor, “Are you into kink? Something you’re not telling me? If you need me to brush up on my skills in bed, I’m happy to oblige. I’m not against experimenting. You want handcuffs? Ropes? You just have to name it.”

It’s hard to resist him when he’s both kind and trying hard to be funny. I like the kind and playful Alex too much.

“This isn’t about the sex.”

“Then what is this about? Why are you having doubts, Katerina? Is it because of what happened last night?”

I’m not sure if he’s referring to the mugging or catching him with a woman at his side. The mugging wasn’t his fault. As to the woman, he claimed the dinner was business, not that it’s any of my business. It’s not as if we’re in a relationship.

“Tell me what’s bothering you,” he coaxes. “I’ll fix it.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Should I even attempt this when I’ve already decided this is a bad idea? Ugh. I can’t resist. “You’re not being honest with me. Tell me the real reason why I hadn’t heard from you in a week.”

“You said you needed time.”

I can’t argue that, but there’s something else. I can feel it. “The woman from last night, have you slept with her?”

His hesitation gives me my answer. I swallow hard. Casual dating isn’t supposed to hurt like this. The knowledge shouldn’t be a branding iron burning into my heart.