Chapter 27

27

GWEN

N ik is winning. Nik has me to himself and despite me wanting to keep him safe, keep him away from me, this man has walked into the pits of hell and he doesn't even know it. A part of me wants to cuss him the hell out and tell him that he was a fucking idiot for being so attached to a random one-night stand. I mean I know I am pretty, and a little feisty in a way that makes most men excited, but I am not worth this. I am not worth him losing his life.

The drive to Nikolai's apartment is a blur of honking cars and flashing lights as he navigates through the chaotic city streets. Despite the chaos, his hand remains firmly planted on my knee, providing a sense of comfort in the midst of the frenzy.

As we pull up to one of the most extravagant buildings I have ever seen, valets and doormen rush to greet us, addressing him with reverence as "Mr. Petrov". The opulence and luxury of the building is palpable, from the sparkling marble floors to the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. I question in a breath of awe, "Is all of this necessary for an apartment? "

That rich kid, entitled smirk spreads across his lips as he firmly places a hand on the small of my back and whispers, "Only the best for my Kotik. Only the best."

That horde of butterflies I have yet to truly massacre in my gut springs to life again. My Kotik , fuck, that does things to me that it shouldn't. His need to possess me is something I need to reject, no matter how weak my knees are at the nickname.

The elevator ride up to Nikolai's penthouse is filled with a tense silence. The unresolved tension between us hangs heavily in the air, and we both know it. As we rise higher, my mind races with thoughts, uncertainties, and a series of plans to make him get tired of me or learn to hate me. Only for his safety and the safety of our children, I need to stay on high alert. I need to keep my walls up, even though he is the best at chipping them down.

The elevator doors slide open, revealing a space so grand and polished that I almost forget to breathe. The grandeur of Nikolai's penthouse is overwhelming—sleek, modern design and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a jaw-dropping view of New York City. My heart races as I take in the glittering skyline, a mesmerizing sea of diamonds against the dark backdrop of the night sky.

My eyes scan every inch of the luxurious space, from the polished marble floors to the intricate artwork on the walls. But I know I can't let myself be awestruck. Not here. Not with him.

My heels click against the glistening marble floors as I enter. The living room feels spacious and welcoming, despite its sleek and minimalistic design. The tall ceilings enhance the expensiveness of the penthouse, only making me feel more out of place. The blend of natural materials adds warmth to the space: deep, rich wood paired with crisp, white walls remind me of apartments I've see in magazines. The furniture is modern, featuring clean lines and muted shades of gray and navy that almost makes me feel dirty.

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my composure as I move further into the penthouse. I wander over to the windows, letting my eyes drift over the breathtaking view of the city. The lights shimmer like stars, and for a moment, I feel a pang of something I can't quite name. Longing? Awe? Fear? Maybe a mix of all three.

"Impressive, isn't it?" Nikolai's voice rumbles from behind me, low and smooth.

His intense gaze follows me as I turn to face him. He leans against the doorframe with a casual air, but his eyes tell a different story. They hold that same hunger I've come to know so well—the one responsible for the fluttering butterflies in my stomach whenever he looks at me.

"Nice place," I comment calmly, trying not to let on how much his gaze affects me. "Though it's a bit much, don't you think?"

He smirks and pushes off the doorframe, sauntering towards me with the grace of a predator who knows his prey is within reach.

"Ah, but you know me. I always go big," Nikolai purrs, his smirk turning into a full-blown grin that doesn't quite reach his eyes. He reaches out a hand to brush a loose strand of hair away from my face, his touch sending a shiver down my spine. "Besides, I like the finer things in life. And you, my dear, are about to experience just how fine they can be."

I can feel the heat radiating off his body. My heart hammers in my chest, betraying the calm facade I try to maintain, but I continue to fake my annoyance.

"Is that so?" I reply, arching an eyebrow as I take a step back, putting some much-needed distance between us. "Well, forgive me if I'm not easily impressed by material possessions."

I roll my eyes as I move away from him into the corner of the room. I keep my eyes on the glittering skyline of New York, trying to distract myself from the way he makes me feel—like I am on the edge of a cliff, teetering between falling into him and running far, far away.

My words are sharp, but Nikolai doesn't flinch. He's already moving, closing the distance between us with those same slow, deliberate steps that make my pulse race.

"This is your home now, Kotik ," he whispers, the intensity in his voice cutting through the space between us. There's a flicker of something in his eyes—hope, maybe even longing. It's almost enough to make me waver.

But I can't let him get that close. Not yet. I take a solid step back, holding his gaze with a narrowed glare. "Don't get any ideas, Nik. I'm not someone you can just pin down like this. I am not your possession that you get to dictate and control. I do not live here."

He closes the space between us. His hand snakes around my neck, pulling me into his orbit. "It's not just about the possessions, Kotik . It's about comfort, control…security." His voice dips lower, smooth and deliberate, as if he's drawing out each word to test my patience.

"Security?" I scoff, still staring out at the city lights as if I can will myself not to look at him. "I'm sure that's what all of this is about, right? Keeping me safe or…keeping me close?" I glance back at him, daring him to deny it.

A smirk tugs at the corner of his lips, but there's something in his eyes that's dead serious. "Why can't it be both? You belong here with me, Gwen. I can give you everything—safety, comfort, whatever you need. You wouldn't have to worry about anything. All you'd need to focus on is us."

His words send a thrill through me, my heart racing as I try to process them. My body instinctively moves closer to him, and I tilt my head up to meet his intense gaze.

My lips brush against his as I whisper, feeling the warmth of his breath against my skin. "Is this your plan? To keep me hidden away in your luxurious penthouse like some kind of prized possession?" I pull back slightly, my voice shaking with emotion. "That's not how a real relationship works, Nik."

He chuckles softly, but I can hear the underlying tension in his voice. "So, we're in a relationship now?"

"Not if you keep me locked up in here." I push him back as I say the words. "Then this becomes a hostage situation."

"I am only trying to lock you up because you have mastered the art of disappearing, Kotik ." He leans in closer, snaking an arm around my waist. "I just want you close. I want you where I can take care of you, where I know you're safe."

I tilt my head back, letting out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. "Nik, you can't protect me from everything. And you sure as hell can't control every part of my life." I keep my voice firm, even as my heart pounds wildly in my chest. "I need freedom. I need to know that I'm choosing to be with you, not because I have no other choice. "

"Then choose to be with me," Nik pleads, searching my eyes for a response.

"Nik, it's not that simple." I sigh, looking down, but he pinches my chin between his thumb and forefinger, pulling my face up to him again.

"No, Gwen. It is that simple." He searches my face once more with his gaze before dropping his head and resting his forehead against mine. "Being with me could be as easy as breathing, Kotik ."

I suck in a sharp breath and hold it, not wanting the next words I feel to leave my mouth. "I know, Nik."

"Then why do you make this so difficult?" he pleads, his eyes shut tightly as he speaks. I don't respond, and after a while, my lungs burn and my eyes tickle with tears.

A heavy breath leaves his lips and flutters over my face, and I want to tell him everything, but before I can, he laces his fingers with mine and whispers, "Follow me. I want you to see something."

I let out the painful breath in a sharp exhale as Nik leads me up the winding staircase, the soft glow of the chandelier illuminating the way. Each step creaks beneath our weight as the silence between us stretches on forever. As we reach the top landing, he pauses and turns to look at me, hesitating for a second before saying, "You were meant to be here with me, Gwen."

Without another word, Nik pulls me gently towards a set of ornate double doors at the end of the hallway. He pushes them open, revealing a master bedroom that is every bit as luxurious as the rest of the penthouse .

But it isn't the grandeur of the room that makes my breath catch in my throat. It's the sight of the space that has been meticulously set up for me. He lets go of my hand as I make my way deeper into the room.

The bed, fit for royalty with its soft, luscious linens and oversized pillows, is adorned with a throw blanket in my favorite color: emerald green. Opposite the bed, a small door stands ajar, revealing a stylish adjoining room that serves as a wardrobe.

Inside hangs a collection of clothes—his suits and casual jeans on one side, and on the other, a selection that seems to have been chosen specifically for me. The pieces exude effortless chic with just the right amount of edge. There are combat boots, ripped jeans, elegant high heels from Louboutin, alluring floor-length gowns that I doubt I will ever have an occasion to wear, and even a leather jacket that feels soft like butter to the touch.

Everything in there feels as if I've chosen it for myself, but before I can really question him, I exit the wardrobe and see a section of the room with a mahogany desk and a comfy pale green loveseat that looks like the pink couch from my old apartment with Nana.

"What is this?" I demand, but the question comes out in a breathless gasp as I walk closer to the area.

The desk sits against the wall, its surface adorned with neatly placed pens, highlighters, and post-its, alongside an iPad ready for use. Above the desk hangs a floating bookshelf, showcasing a collection of books handpicked for me—from fantasy novels I mentioned during our one night together to an Italian cookbook and law textbooks for my studies .

Every detail is meticulously thought out. It's almost as if Nikolai has gone out of his way to create a space uniquely mine, nestled within his own world. My heart hammers in my chest as I repeat my question one more time. "Nik," I whisper, turning slowly to look at him because I don't want to freak out more than I already am. "What is this?"

Nikolai strolls deeper into the room, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. He looks around as if seeing the space for the first time. "Our room, obviously."

"Our room?" I echo, my voice tinged with disbelief. "What do you mean by ours?"

"A bedroom for you and me," he replies, as if it's the most natural thing in the world. "Where else would you sleep?"

I stare at him, trying to process the sheer audacity of it all. He's set up this entire space for me, assuming—no, expecting—that I'll just move in and live in his room like some kept woman. Like I'm his possession.

"You're out of your mind if you think I'm just going to?—"

"To what?" he interrupts, stepping closer. "To accept what's already yours? To live here with me, as we both know you will?"

I clench my jaw, refusing to let him steamroll over me. "I never agreed to this, Nik. I never agreed to be yours."

His expression darkens, but there's something else there too—something softer, almost vulnerable. "Gwen, you belong here. With me. This is where you're meant to be. Look." He turns me back to the little study space. "You can go back to law school. Dedicate all your time, be back at the top of your class. Or you can run Johanna's. Or you can cuddle up on this couch right here and read your novels all day. Shit, you can write one."

"Nik." I shake my head against his chest. "I can't just… Why?"

"Because I want you here, with me, and this will make it easier."

I turn around, placing both palms firmly on his hard chest. I try not to think about how hard his heart beats against his chest, against my hand. I look down at where I'm gripping his shirt in my hand as I whisper, "I need my own space, Nik. I can't just… I need somewhere that's mine, where I can breathe."

His eyes narrow, and for a moment, I think he might refuse. That he'll use that stern voice that makes my panties wet and my knees weak and say no, you're going to stay here with me, in this room, and I may crumble. If he demands I stay in this room where he just did the most romantic thing I have ever experienced, I won't make it out of here as my own person. I'll be his, happily. I'll have to put him in danger because I'll want him, need him too much to ever let him go, even if it's for his own good.

But then he surprises me by nodding slowly. "Fine. You can have your own room."

I blink, not expecting him to give in so easily. "Really?"

"Yes. You can have this room." He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "But on one condition."

Here it comes, I think. Here comes the line that makes me say, screw it, and jump into his arms. "What's the catch?"

"You sleep in my bed five nights out of the week. The other two nights, you can have your space." His voice is firm, leaving little room for negotiation.

Five nights? That's a compromise, sure, but still a significant demand. I cross my arms over my chest, trying to think it through. Can I live with that? Can I do that and still save myself? Can I still save him from the danger of Mason? And would that be enough time to hide the existence of Gio and Mia from him until I know we're all safe?

"You're not really giving me much of a choice, are you?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at him. My heart is pounding against my chest feverishly.

He shrugs, his lips curling into that devilish smirk that always sets my nerves on edge. "It's the best offer you're going to get, Kotik."

I huff out a breath, knowing I have to pick my battles. "Three nights," I counter, lifting my chin defiantly. "I get my own space for three nights a week."

He raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. "You're negotiating with me?"

"I was a top law student, Nik. Bargaining is second nature to me."

He chuckles softly, his eyes gleaming with admiration—or was it amusement? I can't tell with him sometimes. "Alright, Gwen. Three nights."

It's a small victory, but a victory nonetheless. I nod, trying to hide the relief that washes over me. "Good. Then it's settled."

He takes a step closer, his voice lowering to that husky tone that always makes my knees weak. "But don't think for a second that you're free from me those nights, Kotik. You may have your space, but you're still mine."

The way he says it sends a ripple of goosebumps across my skin. I'm playing a dangerous game with a man who could so easily consume me, body and soul. But as I look into his intense oceanic eyes, I know one thing for certain—I'll do anything to keep him safe, even if that means losing the one man I think I could love.

"Don't worry, Nik," I reply, my voice in that evenly confident lawyer tone. "I'll remind you of that when I'm the one calling the shots."

His grin widens, and for the first time, I see a flash of something more in his eyes—respect, maybe. Or perhaps it's just the thrill of the challenge. Either way, I steel my shoulders and look at him head-on.

Nikolai leans in, his lips brushing against my ear as he whispers, "I look forward to it."