38. Kat

Chapter 38

Kat

I’m shocked to find the penthouse crawling with people at the crack of dawn.

The place is alive with activity, the energy palpable. Nik’s men are everywhere, moving with purpose, their footsteps echoing down the hallways. They barely glance my way as they rush to carry out whatever orders he’s given them. It’s almost like I’ve wandered into a hive of very dangerous, very well-dressed bees.

I don’t bother trying to figure out what’s going on. I head straight for Nik’s office—no point looking anywhere else. The door is wide open, so I step inside without knocking.

Nik looks up from behind his desk, his surprise melting into a soft smile. The sight of him nearly steals the air from my lungs. He’s devastatingly handsome in a black cashmere sweater and jeans, his sleeves rolled up to reveal forearms that are unfairly distracting. His hair is an artful mess, like he’s been raking his hands through it all morning.

“You’re up early,” he says, his voice smooth but tinged with surprise.

“Not as early as everyone else, apparently,” I reply, nodding toward the bustling hallway. “Did you even sleep?”

“Enough,” he says with a casual shrug, lifting a steaming mug of coffee to his lips.

“What does that mean? How many hours are we talking about here?”

He shrugs again, his expression unreadable. “Less than I wanted, but probably more than I could afford.”

I shake my head, feigning disapproval. “Well, it’s obvious you’ve got a lot going on.” I gesture vaguely toward the controlled chaos outside his office. “So I won’t waste your time. Just give me my marching orders, boss, and I’ll stop bothering you.”

Nik’s eyes soften as he comes around his desk, stopping just inches away. Without a word, he pulls me into his arms. His warmth envelops me, and I sigh, melting into him like I belong there.

“You could never bother me,” he murmurs.

I scoff, burrowing closer. “Oh, please. We both know that’s a lie.”

He chuckles, the sound vibrating against me. “Speak for yourself,” he says softly, his breath warm against my ear.

Dmitri’s voice cuts in from the doorway. “Ah, love’s in the air, I see.”

“Good morning, Dmitri,” I call out, smiling despite myself. Nik’s only response is a low, displeased grunt.

“Good morning, Kat. Nik,” Dmitri replies, his tone all mischief. “Am I interrupting? Please tell me I am.” His exaggerated sigh has me giggling before I can stop myself.

“Stop encouraging him,” Nik mutters, his voice tinged with exasperation as he glances down at me. “He’ll only get worse if he thinks he’s entertaining you.”

I shrug, grinning. “He is entertaining me. And honestly, I think he’s doing it more for your benefit. Your visible disapproval fuels him.”

Dmitri grins broadly. “No comment. I’ll neither confirm nor deny your vile accusations,” he quips, clearly enjoying himself. Nik just rolls his eyes.

“Since you’re here,” Nik says, turning to Dmitri, “you can make yourself useful. You’re taking Kat shopping. Or wherever she wants to go.” He pins both of us with a sharp look, his tone firm. “Within reason.”

I sigh, shaking my head. “I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but… what the hell are you talking about, Nik? I can't go shopping. We have work to do.”

Nik wastes no time in correcting me. “No, I have work to do, which is why you need to go. You’re just… too distracting. I can’t think straight with you here.”

I blink, incredulous. “Seriously? It’s the bottom of the ninth, bases loaded, and you’re pulling me out of the game? I was this close to hitting a home run. McGuire was about to brag about killing Maxim when you threw your little jealous tantrum!”

Dmitri groans loudly, throwing his head back in exaggerated frustration. “Seriously, you two are killing me. Do you have any idea how frustrating it is knowing no one’s ever going to believe me about this?”

Nik doesn’t even spare him a glance. “Kat, it’s not happening. McGuire thinks I took his daughter. It’s too dangerous. You’re not getting anywhere near him.”

I sigh, crossing my arms. “Just because he’s gunning for you doesn’t mean he’s gunning for me. Honestly, this might work in our favor. He seemed plenty motivated to snatch me up last night.”

Nik’s jaw tightens, his words coming through clenched teeth. “Thanks for the reminder, but I don’t need it. It’s burned into my brain.”

I roll my eyes. “My point is, he’s angry. He’s desperate. This is the perfect time to strike. He’s not thinking straight—easy pickings.”

“No,” Nik snaps, his tone final. “And that’s the end of it. The risk isn’t worth it.”

“The reward outweighs the risk,” I argue, throwing my arms up.

Nik scoffs, shaking his head like I’ve lost my mind. “The hell it does. I’m not putting you in danger. End of discussion.”

“Just think about it,” I plead, softening my voice. “For all we know, he might not even be angry at me. Maybe he thinks I’m innocent in all this.”

Nik shakes his head firmly. “It doesn’t matter what he thinks. We’re not gambling with your safety.”

I groan in frustration. “Nik?—”

“Don’t,” he cuts me off, his voice steely. “Save your breath. The only way you’re getting anywhere near McGuire is over my dead body.” His lips curve into a sharp smirk. “And I’m not an easy man to kill.”

“It’s true,” Dmitri chimes in with a grin. “Better men than you have tried, Kat

“Maybe I’m the right woman for the job,” I mutter, narrowing my eyes at both of them.

Dmitri bursts into laughter, holding his stomach. “Uh-oh, Nik, your kitty's got claws. Love it.”

I glare at Dmitri, then turn my attention back to Nik, who’s as unfazed as ever. “I know you think I’m being unreasonable,” he says, shrugging like he’s somehow the picture of cold logic. “But trust me, I could say the same about you.”

Before I can come up with a snarky response, he smirks wider. “Hey, if you really want to make me pay, take my credit card and go nuts. Do your worst.”

I narrow my eyes, leaning in slightly. “Careful, Nik. You’re this close to underestimating me.”

Nik flashes me a grin, and, against my better judgment, my anger softens. “Oh, I’m not making that mistake ever again. Trust me,” he says, finishing with a wink.

"He just winked at you, Kat." Dmitri sighs, shaking his head in exaggerated despair. “I never thought I’d live to see the day Nikolai Stefanovich would playfully flirt with anyone. I’m pretty sure I just witnessed a sign of the apocalypse.”

I roll my eyes, grabbing Dmitri’s arm. “Come on, Ken. We’re going for a ride.”

He laughs, letting me drag him toward the door. “Was that supposed to be an insult? Because it kind of felt like one.”

Turning back to Nik, I raise my chin defiantly. “No goodbye kiss for you this time.”

Nik sighs like I’ve truly wounded him, shaking his head in mock disappointment. “Wow. Six figures really don’t buy what they used to.”

I scoff, narrowing my eyes. “Six figures? Please. So much for you not underestimating me. For the record, I know exactly how much you’re worth. I I wouldn’t even get out of bed for anything less than a cool million.”

Nik leans back, his smirk growing more smug by the second. “Get something red, skimpy, and lacy, and I’ll consider it money well spent.”

Dmitri chokes on his laughter as I pin Nik with the sharpest glare I can muster as I stop by the door. “Feeling lucky today, are you?” I ask, arching an eyebrow.

Nik’s smirk grows into a devastating grin. “Ask me later tonight,” he says, winking again for good measure.

“Let’s go, Dmitri,” I say, grabbing his arm. “And don’t expect to come back until Nik gets a frantic call from the bank. I’m swiping his card until he’s on his knees, begging me for mercy.”

Dmitri chuckles, clearly amused. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Dmitri,” Nik calls out, his tone suddenly serious, stopping us before we make it out the door. “Keep her safe. If anything feels off, get her back here. Immediately.”

Dmitri grins, glancing back at him. “Relax, Nik. I’ll keep your little kiska safe and sound.”

“Watch it.” Nik grabs a paperweight and halfheartedly chucks it at him. Dmitri dodges it easily, laughing like he’s having the time of his life.

I roll my eyes, grabbing Dmitri’s arm as I tug him toward the door. “Come on, before he figures out what a terrible mistake he’s made.”

Dmitri and I drive in mostly comfortable silence, with him humming along to my playlist and tapping the steering wheel in time to the beat. I’d chosen the most bubblegum pop songs I could find, hoping to annoy him as payback for not siding with me earlier. Naturally, my plan backfired. Dmitri, being Dmitri, leaned into it, even bopping his head like he was actually enjoying the music.

By the time we hit the high-end boutiques downtown, my mood’s improved despite myself. A happy sigh escapes me as we step into one of my favorite stores, the blissfully cool air-conditioning a welcome escape from the heat outside.

“See? Not so bad, right?” Dmitri teases, grinning.

“I guess not,” I mutter with a shrug, feigning indifference.

He smirks, scanning the store. “You know, if I had a billionaire handing me his black AmEx card and saying ‘go nuts,’ I wouldn’t waste a second pouting about it

“Pouting?” I echo, raising an eyebrow.

He shrugs. “Don’t get me wrong—you pull it off beautifully. Probably why Nik gave you the card in the first place.”

“Are you saying I’m all looks and no brains?”

“Not at all,” he says quickly, holding up his hands. “Believe me, I know better than to underestimate you. Besides, you’ve clearly got more brains than the rest of us put together. I mean, look at Nik. You’ve got him wrapped around your finger.”

“Dmitri…”

“What? It’s true,” he says with a grin. “Congrats, kiska . You’ve accomplished the impossible.”

“You’re gonna get yourself in trouble,” I warn, though I can’t help smiling.

"Please." He scoffs, clearly unconcerned. “I walk on the wild side. I laugh in the face of danger.”

“Oh, is that right?” I laugh.

“Damn right. If anyone should be worried, it's you. No matter what happens, you're not allowed to fall in love with me. I mean, talk about cruel and unusual punishment…"

“And here I thought you were clueless about your good looks,” I tease. "Clearly, I was wrong if you’re out here bragging about your so-called boyish charms.”

He winces dramatically, clutching his chest while flashing me a heart-stopping smile. “Boyish charms? Ouch, Kat. You wound me.”

I roll my eyes. “Somehow, I doubt that.”

“All I know,” Dmitri continues, undeterred, “is that you’re ignoring the fact that I’m obviously all man. I won’t hear anymore of that boyish nonsense. I’m not even that much younger than you.”

“Oh, yeah? And how would you know that? Let me guess—from all the time you spent spying on me for Nik?” I nudge his arm playfully.

He laughs, shrugging. “Hey, it’s not much, but it’s honest work.”

“Not even close,” I retort.

“Well, maybe not. But in my defense, I was doing God’s work.”

“God’s work? I snort. "Is that what you call Nik these days? Laying it on a bit thick, don’t you think?”

He grins, ruffling my hair like an annoying older brother. “No, smart-ass. I mean bringing the two of you together. Think of me as Cupid. You’re welcome, by the way.”

I laugh despite myself. “You have no idea how ridiculous you sound.”

“What can I say? I’m a romantic, kiska .”

“Careful, Dmitri. You know Nik breaks hands for less.”

He sighs, shaking his head. “I still can’t believe he actually did that. I thought you two were messing with me until I saw Vladmir’s cast for myself.”

“All I’m saying is, don’t push him. Nik’s under a lot of pressure right now.”

“No kidding. It's called blue balls,” he mutters. “And unlike you, I doubt I’d get a shiny black AmEx as a reward for pissing him off.”

“Maybe not,” I say, smirking. “But it’s obvious he’s got a soft spot for you. And you know it.”

“Maybe,” he admits, his tone softening. “But who knows? It's a brave new world—we’re living in unprecedented times. Nik walks around breaking hands for love now.”

I roll my eyes for what feels like the hundredth time today. “You seem eager to talk about my love life, so fair’s fair. Tell me about this mysterious woman you mentioned before.”

Dmitri groans, running a hand through his hair. “You make it sound so dramatic.”

“Am I wrong?”

He shrugs, suddenly preoccupied with the necklace tucked under his shirt. The delicate gold thread glints in the light as his fingers fidget with the chain. Dmitri, usually so poised, looks restless, like he’s weighing his words.

“Don’t get shy now,” I prod. “You seemed eager enough to dig into my business.”

“Your business is my business,” he says with a smirk.

“Is that right?”

“You bet. As long as my pakhan is your business, I’m keeping an on you.”

“Lucky me,” I mutter sarcastically. “Turnabout’s fair play, though. Spill. I want to know everything about your not-so-secret girlfriend.”

“Girlfriend isn’t the word I’d use,” he mutters, still toying with the necklace.

“Well, does your not-girlfriend have a name?”

He gives me a distant look, and somehow I know he won’t answer my question. But I never get to find out for sure, because an ear-splitting scream cuts through the air, freezing us both in place.