Paisley
I PEER OUT the window of the car, craning my neck as I try to look up at the top floor of the building Andre’s driver just parked in front of. I can almost make out the line of windows that I stood in front of a few nights ago.
The door beside me whips open, letting in the icy early December air. Victor extends one hand toward me, offering to help me out of the warmed leather seat.
This trip was definitely much different than the bus ride I would normally be suffering through right now.
I put my palm in his and step out into the night, immediately shivering at the change in temperature as the cold assaults my bare legs.
I pull my coat tighter around my body, but it does nothing to help the goosebumps racing over my skin.
I glance up again and realize it’s not just the cold that’s affecting me.
It’s him.
He’s watching me. I can feel it.
“Come.” Victor’s manner is almost abrupt as he takes my arm and pulls me toward the doors leading into the luxurious lobby.
I try to keep up with him, even though everything in me wants to drag my feet. I feel even more out of place tonight than I did the last time I was here.
Last time I was scared everyone I passed would know who I was and what I’d finally allowed myself to become.
This time there will be no question. I’m still wearing my uniform from Platinum, and anyone with eyes will be able to figure out I’m not serving pancakes at Denny’s.
At least I wasn’t tonight.
But it turns out every person has a line. Something that will make them do what they never thought they would.
That whole, ‘everyone’s capable of murder’ saying, is definitely true. Only I’m not killing anyone.
Not yet anyway, but there’s still time.
Victor maintains his hold on my arm as he leads me through the posh lobby, across the marble floors, and past the security guards standing behind the glossy wood of the front desk.
It’s almost amusing that a man who’s probably more than capable of keeping himself safe is the one with armed guards protecting the entrance of his building, especially considering the only person watching the front of my building is Barney, the homeless man who’s taken up residence beside the crumbling front steps.
I give the security guards a quick smile, probably out of habit since it’s what I give Barney every time I come home.
Only they don’t smile back, and they definitely don’t ask me how my shift at Platinum was.
Victor moves quickly to the elevator at the end of the hall, pulling me inside before punching the only button on the panel. I didn’t notice it last time, but now that single button makes me realize Andre has his own private elevator, one he doesn’t have to share with a single other person in this building.
I’d just love to have an elevator at all. It would make life infinitely easier when I have to take my mother to her doctors’ appointments.
And that’s why I’m here. To do whatever it takes to take care of the woman who did whatever it took to take care of me.
Victor stands beside me and crosses his arms. I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts to tap his foot. “You seem like you’re in a hurry.”
His gaze stays on the closed doors. “Mr. Valinov has been waiting for you. His time is important.”
“Then he should have asked me what time I got off work. I’m not leaving early just so I can fit into Mr. Valinov’s busy schedule.” I will sacrifice a lot to make Andre happy, obviously, but my job at Platinum is not anything I will put on the line. I need it now, and I will continue to need it even after I’ve figured out how to get the rest of the money for the drug trial that will save my mother’s life.
Hell, I might need the job even more then because hopefully she’ll actually eat something.
Victor’s gaze slides my way and his mouth does something funny. Something that might be the beginning of a smirk. “You should explain that to him.”
I snort out a laugh. “I feel like you’re trying to get me in trouble, Victor.”