Chapter 7 | Katia
Katia
Istrode down the sidewalk, my black hoodie covering my long red hair.
I’d worn sneakers, and they were silent on the cement.
My driver had dropped me off a few blocks away, and the sun was just beginning to set.
I walked to the back of the apartment building on the corner of Brighton First Street and Neptune Ave, hiding behind the dumpster as I scanned the sidewalk in front of the building’s entrance.
Nothing stuck out, and I wondered what the hell I was doing. What had I expected when I actually found the hacker? Was I going to tackle him on the street and demand he stop trying to frame me and Michael?
I had no idea. Some small part of me just wanted to see the person who wanted to ruin my life. Maybe, if I had the chance, I could talk some sense into him.
A tall, skinny frame turned the corner, and I inhaled a sharp breath. The kid looked to be about sixteen, and he wore a hoodie above dark, ripped jeans and weathered Converse sneakers. He entered the building and I debated running after him. Was he the hacker?
Suddenly, I heard a shuffle behind me, and I turned to two large men standing in the alley between the apartment building and the house next door. They leered at me and my heart leapt into my throat.
I pivoted and began walking down the sidewalk, noticing how dark it was getting.
The neighborhood was fairly nice, and if I screamed, someone inside could possibly hear me and run out.
Reaching into the pocket of my hoodie, I clutched my pepper spray.
If one of these bastards tried to jump me, they’d be sorry.
“Where you going?” one man asked, his voice ominous. “We don’t see pretty ladies like you lurking around here often.”
“My Uber’s already arrived,” I lied, turning back to face them. “They’ll call the police if I don’t show up.”
“I doubt that, lady,” one of the men said, grabbing my arm. He swung me around and I jerked my arm away.
“Don’t fucking touch me!”
“We just want your phone and your wallet,” the other man said.
“No.”
The first man reached for me, and I knocked his hand away using one of the karate moves I’d learned in one of my self-defense classes.
“She’s feisty,” he said, shooting an evil grin toward his counterpart. “We should take her back to the alley and have some fun with her first.”
Knowing I had the chance to take a surprise offensive, I reached into my pocket and gripped the pepper spray. Pulling it out, I sprayed the first man; his scream echoing as he covered his eyes and backed away. The second man lunged toward me and somehow knocked the spray out of my hand.
We began to struggle, and he slid behind me. His arms surrounded my waist, and I kicked and struggled as he carried me back to the alley. Once there, he pushed me up against the apartment building, my face scraping the brick as I tried to scream.
“This won’t take long,” he said, holding me with one arm as he reached for the waist of my yoga pants. “Stop struggling, bitch!”
He began to yank my pants down, and I thrust my head back, connecting with his nose. He yelled and lifted his hand to my throat, squeezing hard as I began to choke.
“You broke my nose, you fucking whore!” His fist clenched tighter as I struggled to breathe. “I’ll fucking kill you.”
Suddenly, I heard a shuffle beside the dumpster, and a low voice growled, “Take your hands off her or you die. Now!”
The man stiffened and relaxed his grip. Gasping, I fell against the building, clutching my throat as I gazed up at Leo.
“You have two seconds to run before I start shooting.” His expression was filled with fury as he aimed at the man’s forehead.
My assailant only hesitated a moment before darting away, and Leo rushed to my side. Holstering his gun, he reached for me and cupped my face.
“Are you okay? Did he—”
“I’m fine,” I said, still struggling to breathe. “Fucking bastard!”
“I’ve got you,” he said, his eyes roving over my face. “Damn, you’re bleeding.”
“I scraped my cheek on the brick,” I said, touching the cut. I lowered my fingers, looking at the blood and realizing how close I’d come to disaster. “My keys...”
“I got them from the ground beside the guy you pepper sprayed,” Leo said, handing them to me. “Nice job, by the way. He’ll be blind for a day at least.”
“I hope he loses both eyes,” I spat.
Leo’s expression was fraught with worry as he gently held my upper arm. “Do you have your phone and wallet?”
“Yeah, they didn’t manage to get those from me.” Sighing, I ran a hand through my tousled hair. “Jesus, you really saved the fucking day. How are you here? Why are you here?”
Leo’s blue eyes darted between mine, and I saw the concern there.
“You followed me,” I said softly.
“I had a feeling you were going to try and do this on your own, and I was worried. Looks like I was right.”
“I do everything on my own.” My throat bobbed as I swallowed. “And I don’t stay on the sidelines when someone is trying to hurt me or the people I love.”
Something flashed across his expression, and he stepped back, dropping his arm from mine. “Yeah, I get that. But I don’t want you doing this by yourself. I’ll help you, but we need to make a plan. Skulking in alleys isn’t the right way to figure this out.”
I exhaled a deep breath. “Obviously. I really fucked that up. I’d be mad at you for following me, but you saved my life, so I guess you’re forgiven.”
Leo glanced up at the apartment building. “Did Alexis give you this location?”
“Yeah. She thinks the hacker might live here. I saw a teenager who might fit the profile enter, but who knows if it’s him?”
“Look, I want to get you home and get that cut cleaned. We’ll work on a plan to investigate tomorrow. Can I drive you home?”
Feeling defeated, I nodded.
He slid his hand over the small of my back, the gesture comforting as he led me to his car. I sat in the front and settled in as he began to drive.
“How long have you known where I live?”
He shot me a look, as if he was hesitant to tell me. “For a while. I always wanted to make sure you got home safely after we met at the club. I’m old-fashioned.”
“Or a creepy stalker,” I said, feeling my lips curve.
“I know it sounds weird. I’m sorry if it makes you uncomfortable—”
“Hey, you just saved my life,” I said, covering his forearm to reassure him. “And you don’t give off stalker vibes. I think you’re just a really good guy. Maybe a bit grumpy, but good nonetheless.”
“You’re the second person who’s pointed out that I’m difficult today.
” He scowled. “Maybe I’m just a guy who doesn’t say every damn thing on his mind unless it’s necessary.
Unlike most people, I don’t need to blab about what I had for dinner, post it on social media and share it with the world. I like thoughtful silence, okay?”
Suppressing the urge to laugh, I nodded. “So, you hate Instagram. Noted. I’m not a huge fan either.”
He glanced over and arched a brow.
“I told you, I’m old too. We’re both in our forties and I don’t really have time for social media. Although I do like the sexy Henry Cavill and Pedro Pascal memes. I’m only human.”
His lips formed the faintest hint of a smile, and I took a moment to gaze at his profile. His ever-present stubble had shades of gray and brown, and I wondered what it would feel like against my skin...
We continued to chat as gratitude washed over me. What would I have done if Leo hadn’t shown up? Although I was used to doing things on my own, I could certainly investigate with him to ensure my safety.
When he pulled up to my apartment, he found a spot and parked. “I’d like to walk you in if that’s okay. I just need to see you safely inside your house.”
Something washed over me at the poignant sentiment, causing little butterflies to flutter deep in my belly. “Sure.”
He escorted me inside and up the stairs to my second-floor apartment. Once inside, I gestured around the foyer. “Well, we made it, and I’m okay.” Closing the distance between us, I placed my hand on his chest. “Thank you, Leo.”
“You’re welcome.” His voice was gruff as his eyes bore into mine. “We can surveil the apartment building together tomorrow night if you want to.”
“Not tomorrow.” I shook my head. “It’s Elena’s birthday, and I always visit her at the cemetery.” Energy pulsed between us, and I asked him something I’d never asked another soul on the planet. “Do you want to come with me to visit her?”
Leo’s eyes widened slightly, and embarrassment warmed my cheeks.
“Okay, that was way too serious. Who asks someone who just saved their life to come visit their dead sister with them? Sorry, I just—”
“I’d love to come with you,” he interjected softly. “I’m available from ten a.m. ‘till noon.”
My pulse quickened in my throat as I swallowed thickly. I could feel the heat emanating off his muscular frame, and God help me, I wanted to wrap my arms around him and beg him to kiss me.
“Only if you’re sure—”
“I’m sure.” He covered my hand atop his chest. “It’s going to be a tough day, and I’d like to be there for you. I visit my mom’s grave on her birthday each year too.”
My chin warbled as I fought back tears. “It’s nice to know someone who understands grief. It’s such a bitch, isn’t it?”
“The fucking worst.” He smiled. “But it’s nice to remember them.”
“Yeah,” I whispered.
I licked my suddenly-parched lips, and his gaze lowered, his breath growing heavy. Removing his hand, he backed away. “You need to clean that cut. Do you want me to help you?”
“Oh, no,” I said, feeling frazzled as I ran a hand through my hair. “I can do it. You’ve definitely done enough today. Thanking you doesn’t seem like enough. I’d offer to cook you something, but I’m a terrible cook. I can strip for you, if you like. I’m pretty good at that.”
His eyebrows lifted, and I laughed. “Wow, we’re going to work on this teasing thing. You’re terrible at it.”
He breathed a laugh, his lips curling into that smile that sent my heartrate into overdrive. “Yeah, I’m too serious. You can help me with that and we’ll call it even.” He backed toward the door and gave a salute. “Text me in the morning. I can pick you up and drive to the cemetery if you want.”
I nodded. I’d never owned a car since mass transit in Brooklyn was easily accessible and rideshares were also an option, but riding with Leo would be easier. “Sounds like a plan.”
He exited the door, and I peeped through the hole, noticing he was waiting until he heard my locks click. I turned them both, and he pivoted to walk away.
Heading into my bedroom, I took a shower and cleaned my cut. Afterward, I felt restless, so I headed downstairs and poured a glass of wine.
The day had been exhausting, ending with a freaking assault for god’s sake, and I inhaled a deep breath, reminding myself I was okay. Much of that was due to Leo.
Michael’s words buzzed through my head, and I pondered them. I think Leo has a thing for you...
I’d never even considered the possibility, but now that Michael had put it out there, I couldn’t deny that I’d seen desire in Leo’s piercing blue eyes tonight.
He’d held back, as he always did with me, and I wondered why.
If he was attracted to me, shouldn’t he at least be curious what it would be like to kiss me?
Finishing the wine, which sadly held no answers, I placed the glass in the dishwasher, ready to let the day go.