I’m a complete fool.
“You offered yourself, and that’s what I collected.” He stands straight up again and slides his hands into his pockets. He has this relaxed look about him that makes me want to punch him. My stomach is rolling itself into a pretzel while he looks like he’s spending the day at the damn beach.
Silence stretches out between us, filling in the gaps of awkwardness and fear.
“How long?” Words finally form.
He blows out a long breath through his nose, like he’s thinking it over. “Your offer didn’t have any conditions on it.”
He can’t be serious.
“Forever?” My eyes bulge and I’m pretty sure I’m going to vomit. “You’re insane. Why would anyone make that offer? Why would you even take that offer?” Panicked nerves have taken over now. “Why the hell would you want me, of all people, forever? That’s insane. I mean one night, okay, fine, but more than that? You’re insane.”
He captures my hand that I’ve been waving around in rhythm with my words.
“You said that already.” He looks over my shoulder at Viktor and jerks his head. The hulking guard leaves and I’m not sure if that’s an improvement or not.
“It remains true,” I say, though my voice softens.
“One month.” He drops my hand and runs the tip of his tongue over his top lip. “I have things to do this month that will require me to have someone at my side. Boring dinner parties. I own you for one month and then you’ll be free.”
The lightness I felt when I woke up this morning has evaporated. A pair of cement shoes would be more comfortable at the moment.
A man like Nikolai Romanov has to have women lining up to be the ornament on his arm. He’d give up a quarter million dollars just to keep me for the month? He really is insane.
“And if I don’t agree? What happens to my brother?”
His face hardens. “His debt gets reinstated.”
My situation hasn’t improved since yesterday afternoon. Oliver is still in danger, and I’m still going to be under the thumb of Nikolai Romanov.
“I would suggest taking my money, but you were pretty clear yesterday about what you thought about that.” I’m trying to make light of it, but there’s a tiny bruise on my left ass cheek that will remind me exactly what he thinks on the subject.
“Smart girl.” His teeth show when he smiles this time. “One month, Charlotte.”
“You’re not giving me a choice.”
“I am. You can leave here, go about your life. Your brother’s debts are his problem. He’s a big boy; let him deal with the consequences.”
“You’ll hurt him.”
Nikolai stares at me, his jaw tense, his eyes dark. Of course he will. It’s not a question of if, it’s when.
“One month.” I play with the terms in my head. “I have to work. And I can’t stay here.”
“You live in the apartment over the deli, alone. There’s no reason you can’t stay here.” He’s done his homework.
“But—”
“Viktor.” He gestures for him to come back from wherever he’s been tucked away. “Take Charlotte to work and when she’s finished, bring her back here.” He brings his eyes to mine. “Pack a few bags and Viktor will bring them here for you.”
“People will notice that I’m not staying upstairs. What am I supposed to tell them?” In reality, I doubt anyone will notice at all. I’m usually downstairs before any of them get there.
“Tell them whatever you want.” He shrugs and pulls my envelope from his inside pocket. Handing it to Viktor, he says, “On the way to the shop, stop at her bank and get this deposited.”
“You got it.” Viktor takes the envelope and moves to the elevator, pressing the button to call it for us.
Nikolai looks down at me. “See you tonight.” And with that, he turns on his heel and walks away. Again, I’ve been dismissed.
“The elevator is here,” Viktor remarks after the soft ding signals it.
I want to scream after Nikolai. An insult, something, but nothing comes to mind. I’ll figure this out. I get this worked out. I can do that. I just need a minute to think.
Lucky for me, I have at least ten hours before my workday is over.
Surely, I can come up with a plan by then.