Chapter 22
Daphne
My heart is thumping frantically in my chest. I'm not sure how much time I have left, but after looking though cabinets all day, I finally feel like I'm getting close.
The kitchen was useless and so were the empty rooms I scanned through. I had to pick the lock to this one—something I google searched and learnt how to do a long time ago for Stacey— and I'm surprised it actually worked.
Stacey was always leaving her stuff behind at her on-and-off situationship's place. They were constantly either making out or fighting, so I learned how to pick his lock just so she could sneak in and grab her things without us having to deal with any awkward interactions.
It's been awhile since I've done so and I can't help the burst of pride that fills me at the achievement. But then I remember Alexei could be back at any moment and I need to find my stuff and get out of here.
The room smells of mahogany and sweet musk, the scent of him clinging to the air. I have to shuffle around to switch on the lights to see what I have to work with.
There's a large desk in front of the window, a computer taking up most of it. Papers and folders are scattered across the surface, but there's no sign of my wallet or phone. Outside, the sky is dark. I rush over and start sifting through the drawers.
My fingers shake as I push around papers and sealed documents. I didn't feel this jittery downstairs, but being here feels like I'm violating his privacy and I feel guilty somehow. I try to shake myself out of the paranoia drowning me with worry.
I can't shake the feeling that I'm being watched. I'm looking around constantly, especially at the open door, keeping my ears peeled for any sound outside. The men who set up the bed in the guest room and those who delivered some clothes already left.
There's no one else here for now, but my pulse spikes and I accidentally drop a paperweight. It lands on the carpeted floor with a muffled thud and something else echoes from down the hallway.
I freeze in place, a single bead of sweat sliding down the side of my face. Is Alexei back already? I pause for a second, too stubborn to move. This might be my only chance, I need to hurry the hell up.
Silence follows, accompanying my shallow breathing. I don't think he's back yet or I would have heard something. I quickly place the paper weight back to where I last saw it and pull at the last unopened drawer below his desk.
Unfortunately, it's locked. Of course it has to be locked! I groan out in frustration and crouch underneath the desk, looking for any hidden compartments or keys tapped to the bottom of the table. There's nothing there and my impatience grows with each passing second.
And then I hear it—the soft chime of the lift and the click of shoes against marble floors.
I almost hit my head against the edge of the table as I jump up and run towards the door. Blood thumps in my ears as I switch of the light and close the door behind me, trying to be as silent as I can.
I hear him downstairs. I feel his presence before I even catch sight of him. My footsteps are light as I tiptoe down the winding staircase.
"Hello, zaychik." He has his back turned to me as he stands by the kitchen sink. I momentarily freeze in place, like I've been caught in a mouse trap. How did he know I was there? He isn't even looking.
"What does that mean? Zay..." I can't seem to pronounce it, not when I'm wracked with nerves. I've never had the best poker face and I hope he doesn't notice how nervous I am.
The floors are colder at this time of night and a chill runs through me when he turns around to face me. His face...his devastatingly beautiful face, it's filled with an expression I can't read. His eyes are dark, gaze hooded and he doesn't answer me immediately.
It only makes me more nervous.
He's dressed in formal attire—dark slacks and a shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He crosses his arms over his chest and the muscles in his forearms bulge, straining at the movement.
My mouth goes dry at the sight and I end up licking my lips, his gaze tracking every movement like a hawk.
"It means rabbit." He finally answers.
Disappointment washes through me at the word. Of all the things he could have thought for me, he had to go with rabbit? That's the least sexy thing I've ever heard.
His mouth tilts up the corners slightly. "Don't like the nickname?"
"I've heard better," I lie, stroking the smooth marble, pretending to wipe away imaginary dust on the kitchen counter top.
"What have you been up to, little rabbit?"
The jab hits harder when he uses it in English. It must be the way he sees me—like I'm something small, vulnerable and definitely not someone he'd be attracted to.
Despite them being cute, I've never been a fan of rabbits. Never thought I would hate someone calling me one too.
"I have a name," I bite out and he smirks at my irritation. He straightens up and suddenly he looms over me, making me really feel as small as a rabbit.
I straighten up, trying not to show him how much he affects me. Most of the time I can't decide if he intimidates or excites me.
"Get ready. We're going out," Alex suddenly says, startling me. What? I thought I was locked up here as a prisoner?
My mouth falls open and he uses an index finger to push my jaw up till it shuts again. I shake away from his touch and glare at him.
"Where?" By 'we,' does he mean me and him? Suspicion laces my words as he glances at the clock on the mantelpiece.
"It's a surprise." He studies me from head to toe. "Actually, you know what? This will do."
My eyes widen and my body stiffens, all I'm wearing is his shirt. I put on some underwear earlier but my bra still hasn't dried.
"I need to change," I quickly say, hoping he doesn't notice how bare I am underneath. I suddenly feel more exposed than ever.
"No, this is fine. Come on. I don't have all day." He grabs my wrist and drags me out of the penthouse whilst I dig my heels in, trying to resist. Unfortunately, the shiny marble floors do little to prevent me from reaching the lift.
He doesn't even have to use much force.
"Where are you taking me?" I frown at him as I stand as far from him as I can.
There's a slight chill in the lift and my nipples harden from the cold, pressing against the soft material of his shirt.
His gaze flits over my chest, sending a rush of heat down my spine and I quickly cross my arms over my chest.
"Did you receive the clothes I ordered?" he asks nonchalantly and I wonder if it was all in my head, because as usual he sounds unaffected. Unlike me.
I clear my throat, not liking how close he is. His proximity clouds my thoughts, making it harder to think. "Ummm, yes. I did." I rub my forehead and exhale in relief when the lift door finally opens.
"You must really like my shirt, considering you kept it on instead of changing into something else." He walks out before I can reply and I purse my lips, wondering the same thing.
A bag full of clothes arrived while I was pretending to clean—snooping around—downstairs. I was too preoccupied to look through it so I just dragged it to the guest room downstairs.
I had the whole day to change and wear something less revealing and more comfortable, but instead I stayed in this. Alex doesn't know I was too busy looking for my stuff or a way to escape. He must think I enjoy wearing his stupid shirt that smells of him.
He walks over to a dark blue Maserati and holds the passenger door open for me.
"I didn't have time to change out of it," I say lamely and he only smiles at me knowingly, the smug bastard. "If you want it so bad, you can have it back."
I'd rather be naked than have him think I'm obsessed with his stupid shirt.
I grab the hem of the shirt and pull it up, exposing my thighs. His eyes flare at the sight and he makes no move to stop me, which I didn't plan on. Probably didn't think this through properly.
My hands stop just below my butt and I stare up at him uncertainly, catching the excitement in his eyes.
My mind fills with irrational thoughts—images of him pining me against the car and having his way with me.
His hands running across my skin, lifting my shirt over my head and discarding it across the cement floor.
I gulp softly, trying to clear my head. Alex leans in, close enough to whisper in my ear. "Don't make promises you can't keep, darling. And I suggest you get in the car before I rip this shirt off of you for challenging me in the first place. Right here in this car park for everyone to see."
My eyes frantically search the empty space. There's no one around but there are cameras in every corner, covering this car park filled with luxury cars. I quickly jump into the passenger seat and he slams the door shut, making me flinch.
I'm pressed up against the door, putting as much distance between us as I can when he gets in. His presence is a temptation so strong it suffocates me because I can't act on it. He's a bloody criminal, for God's sake.
I can't be attracted to him. I can't...
He's focused on the road, driving with ease, one hand perched on the steering wheel, the other on his lap. He almost looks lazy, like it requires no effort to zip from one lane to another, avoiding cars by mere inches as he drives at a speed that must be illegal.
There are police cars on the road, their lights blinking in the periphery. No one flags us down, no one even bothers to give chase. I remember the man speaking to the superintendent at the station, the one with the Russian accent.
Just how powerful is this guy?
Alexei's side profile is on full display—the sharp sweep of his nose, face relaxed, jaw unclenched and the streetlights illuminating the light stubble along his sharp jawline.
His deep set eyes are focused on the road but they flit in my direction, catching my stare.
I quickly look away but it's too late, he's already smiling smugly.
I curse inwardly at myself. Why couldn't I stare more discreetly? I definitely can't be a spy.
He parks in an underground car park that has graffiti all over the walls and broken lights that blink on and off as we walk under them. Where is he taking me? I suddenly feel afraid, like I'm about to be sold off or traded away in some illegal operation.
"Stay close," he murmurs just as a group of burly looking men exit the lift. He doesn't have to tell me twice. I huddle closer and he wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me to his side.
"Where are you taking me?" I ask and he leads us to another set of lifts.
"You'll see," he replies indignantly and I frown.
Music booms in the distance and the lift opens to a long corridor lined with mirrored panels.
Dark velvet carpets stretch beneath shiny lights embedded in the ceiling, glittering like diamonds.
The electronic beats are louder now, the thrum of bass echoing in time with every frantic beat of my heart.
Are we at a club? Why would he bring me here?
"Alexei.." I murmur unsurely and he takes my hand firmly in his, like I'm his date for the night. It sends a bolt of desire down my spine.
"This way, sir." A tall, bald waiter stands by the entrance and immediately lets us through despite the long line of guests waiting outside.
The club is dark inside, but flashing lights dance across the space, illuminating an elevated DJ console and a bar that spans the entire length of one wall. Small pockets of people are gathered around, though there's still plenty of space since it isn't all that crowded yet.
For a second, I wonder if he's taking me to the bar, where a crowd of men have gathered. Instead, he takes a sharp left and leads me toward a set of steps half-obscured by a massive light feature.
A group of men dressed in all black stand waiting, and they straighten in recognition when they see Alexei.
The man in front nods at him, just as huge and intimidating as the rest. The group parts down the middle, making way as Alexei guides me up the stairs and into a room that must be soundproof.
I don't hear the music outside, only some soft sensual music that sounds a lot like subdued moaning.
I walk inside, more confused than ever. What are we doing here? Why did he bring me here out of the blue?
"Do you like the view?" Alex asks as he shuts the door behind us and I notice he locks it.
I'm suddenly apprehensive with nothing but the two of us in this private room.
He walks towards me and there's a dangerous glint in his eye, making me back up till my back hits the glass window overlooking the rest of the club below.
His touch sears my skin as he grips my arms and turns me around to face the window. "I asked if you liked the view." He enunciates each word like it's a threat and only when I focus on the group of guys standing by the bar do I realise why.
Aaron is here. My Aaron, the one who dragged me into this mess in the first place. My body stiffens and Alexei is standing so close, he feels it.
Heat radiates off his skin and I can tell that he doesn't like my reaction by the way his grip tightens on my wrists. He releases me but places his arms on either side of me, caging me in.
His breath tickles my skin as his lips skim past my earlobe, down the side of my face, to my neck. I sigh in pleasure, not sure of what is happening only that I don't want to move as he plants a soft but firm kiss on my neck.
I squirm against his body, trying to turn around but his hand grips my throat, forcing me to look ahead.
The other hand glides across the skin of my thigh, sending shivers of pleasure up my legs, making my core ache as he draws nearer, so tantalisingly slow, it almost drives me mad.
My panties are slowly getting soaked, my breaths shallow with anticipation.
"No," I finally gasp just as his fingers skim the edges of my underwear. "I don't."
"Liar." He nips the soft sensitive skin just under my ear and I let out a slow moan. "Isn't that why you were in my study? Weren't you looking for your phone so you can contact him?"