Chapter 11
MILA
Three days he’s been leaving me to sit here in this boring, bland house alone.
I don’t feel any closer to him, or the diamonds, than I did when I was in the icy forests of Siberia.
Nikolai is a frost giant, keeping me at a distance. He’s polite almost to a fault, and it’s driving me crazy.
Partially, because I need to gain his trust. But, he’s also built like a bull, and I’m starting to wonder how fun that ride would be.
I’m sick of crying. So, last night I asked him if he could pick me up a few groceries to try my hand at cooking.
Someone said that the fastest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
I know this isn’t true. It’s between the second and third rib.
Hmm, I suppose poisoning can be fairly short, too.
Nikolai won’t be back until dark, so now is my chance to contact Tyler.
The tracker I have hidden in my shoe led him to my position, so he was able to put a cell in the spot we both agreed on ahead of time.
Ten paces outside of the front door, then turn left. Three paces, and there would be a rock.
Just as we planned.
It’s one of those plastic landscaping accents that are hollow. A perfect spot to stash a phone.
He remembered the charger cord this time.
That almost cost me a foot in Moscow when my battery ran out as I was trying to escape.
He barely picks up.
“Have you heard any more about Daniil?” I blurt out before he answers.
Tyler lets out a long sigh. “Yes. He’s lost his other pinky.”
My stomach rolls.
“But.” He’s quick to add. “Nothing else. I asked them if they wanted you to complete the mission, or fuck it up because you’re hurrying. I think they got the picture.”
That’s a small relief.
“Good. I hope that buys some time. This mark is like a mountain. I am chipping away with a spoon to get to him.”
Tyler chuckles. “How is that possible? You’d think most men would jump at the chance?”
“Nikolai is not ‘most men’. I’m not even sure he’s human.”
Maybe I need to get him drunk.
“Then what’s your plan?” Tyler prods.
“I’m going to make stroganoff.” This will be my first attempt. The cooking show I found on the television made it look easy.
Tyler groans. “I thought you weren’t going to kill him?”
“Ha. Ha. Funny. I’ll contact you tomorrow.” I end the call and find a place in the house where I can hide the phone.
I’ve pretty much decided that this is a safe house.
There are zero personal belongings here. Nikolai even has a duffel he brought over that first day and has been living out of it.
How am I supposed to learn anything about him?
By the time I get the noodles cooking and the sauce simmering, the kitchen looks like a war zone.
People do this every day?
It’s a disaster.
“Smells good.” Nikolai pauses as he comes in the door and tosses his bag on the couch.
It has a pistol in it.
I caught sight of it yesterday.
“I’m trying a new recipe.” More like my only one.
This isn’t as easy as I thought it was.
The pasta is overcooked when I mix it.
Shit.
Maybe he won’t notice?
There aren’t exactly fancy dishes to serve it on, just some paper plates I found in the cupboard.
Another sign that this is just a crash house.
With a flourish and a wide smile, I slide the flimsy dish in front of him, then slip into the opposite chair with my own portion.
His face is expressionless as he takes the first bite.
He pauses in chewing to take a long drink of water before swallowing.
“Well?” I’m curious. Picking up my fork, I hold it in front of my lips while I watch him.
“It is a very good—” He takes another sip. “—attempt.” His blue eyes crinkle in the corners and he finishes the entire glass.
What does that mean?
I seductively stick out my tongue and pull one of the strands into my mouth, followed by the piece of meat.
Oh, fuck.
Way too much salt.
It’s like my throat is shutting down. I can’t force it, so I spit it back up on my plate.
Nikolai laughs. A deep, hearty, room filling sound.
I join him. Might as well. The food is awful.
“I’m sorry. It looked good on TV.” I wipe tears as my giggles subside.
“Looks can be deceiving.” He pins me with a stare, a hint of a smile still tugging at his lips.
Maybe I am making some progress?
His phone rings and shatters the moment.
“Yes. Yes.” He slips into Russian. “And they’re sure it’s Knox? Call Lara if Alexei isn’t answering. No, I’ll go get him. I need to stop for food after I pick him up.” He glances at me.
He probably doesn’t know I can understand him. I try to keep the same foolish grin on my face so he thinks he’s hiding it from me.
Yes, I know, I can’t cook.
If it wasn’t for the stupid diamonds, I wouldn’t be.
“I have to go out tonight.” He switches back to English.
I make sure to fake a look of disappointment. “Oh. I’m sorry the stroganoff didn’t turn out. There’s some frozen pizza in the freezer I can make instead?” I’m already up and clearing the disgusting meal.
Someone would die of salt toxicity if they ate this nastiness.
Maybe Tyler was right and I was trying to poison him without even realizing it?
My subconscious is a bitch.
He shakes his head, then runs his fingers through his short hair. “You’ll be okay?”
Shit.
I bite my lip hard enough to bring tears to my eyes, letting some spill over before giving him a nod.
His brow furrows as he stares at me, but doesn’t say anything else.
Picking up his bag, he walks to the door, but stops. “I appreciate you trying to cook. After tonight, it will be safe enough for you to be free.”
Watching through the window, I wait until he’s pulled out of the driveway before running towards my room.
Fuck.
“What’s the matter?” Tyler asks as soon as the connection is made.
“You need to tell Knox to get the hell out of there.” From what I’ve learned about him, the head of the Reapers really does need to be removed.
But, not yet.
If he dies, I have no more reason to stay here with Nikolai. And, tonight was the first sign of progress I’ve made.
I know I’m getting closer.
“I’ll get a hold of Kirill and have him pass it on.” Tyler types in the background. “You must be enjoying the domestic life?”
“Kiss my ass.”
Tyler laughs. “Glad to hear you haven’t gone to the dark side.”
“There’s too much cleaning involved.” I know how to get out a blood stain. But, why does pizza sauce leave a permanent mark?
It’s for someone more patient than me.
“So, dinner went well?” he snickers.
“He got called away. They’re heading towards Knox tonight. That’s why I’m talking to you.”
“Sure. What did you do to the food?” Sarcasm drips from his words.
I will go to my death bed before admitting I messed it up. “It went amazingly, thank you. He was begging for more.”
Well, for more water.
“Uh huh. Alright. Stay safe.” He hangs up with a click off of the secured line.
Asshole. Maybe I’ll cook for him when we’re out of this mess.