"Enjoying yourself?" he asked, one eyebrow raised as he gestured to the door I'd been eavesdropping through.
"Immensely," I replied, unable to keep the grin off my face. "So, did you tell them it was a power surge? Because technically, that wouldn't be lying."
A growl rumbled from his chest, playful rather than threatening. He stalked toward me with predatory grace, each step deliberate. "They're under strict orders not to disturb us again unless the building is literally on fire."
He stopped just inches from me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating from his body. "You can't actually set things on fire with your abilities, can you?"
I gave him my most innocent smile, the one that had gotten me out of trouble with teachers, employers, and the occasional law enforcement officer. "Not directly, no."
"That's not reassuring," he said, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward.
"I aim to keep you on your toes," I replied, tilting my head back to maintain eye contact. Even barefoot in his ridiculous rich-person guest room, he towered over me.
"You've certainly succeeded." His hand came up to cup my jaw, thumb brushing over my lower lip in a gesture that was somehow both possessive and questioning. "Are you alright? After..."
The concern in his voice caught me off guard. I was used to people wanting me for what I could do, not caring about how I felt.
"You mean after we christened your kitchen island and traumatized your security team?" I deflected with humor, my default setting. "I'm fine. Though I think your refrigerator might need therapy."
His laugh was unexpected—a deep, rich sound that transformed his usually intimidating face into something dangerously close to handsome. "I'm more concerned about Yuri. I've never seen him that shade of red."
"Hazard pay," I suggested. "For emotional distress."
"Worth every penny," Nicolai murmured, his hand sliding to the back of my neck, fingers tangling in my hair. The casual possessiveness of the gesture sent a shiver down my spine.
"The clock's still broken," I observed, nodding toward the bedside table where the digital display continued its erratic flashing. "I should probably try to fix it. And the other things. I can usually repair what I break."
"Later," Nicolai said, his voice dropping to that register that made my insides turn to liquid. "I have more pressing concerns."
"Such as?"
"Such as showing you a proper bed," he replied, his eyes darkening with intent. "The kitchen was... impromptu. But I have a century of experience I'd like to demonstrate more thoroughly."
My mouth went dry. "That's... quite a sales pitch."
"Is it working?"
"I mean, I'm not running away screaming, so..." I gestured vaguely at my clearly interested body. "I'd say that's a yes."
Without warning, Nicolai bent and scooped me up, tossing me over his shoulder with effortless strength. I let out an undignified yelp, finding myself staring at his back as he carried me toward the door.
"What happened to walking like normal people?" I demanded, though I couldn't keep the laughter from my voice.
"Bears are not known for their patience," he replied, one large hand resting possessively on my thigh. "Especially when they've found something they want."
"And what exactly do you want, Nicolai Aleksandrovich?" I asked, my voice softer than I intended.
He paused at the doorway, shifting me in his arms until I was cradled against his chest, our faces inches apart. The playfulness had faded from his expression, replaced by something more intense, more honest.
"Everything," he said simply. "I want everything you're willing to give."
The sincerity in his voice stole my breath. This wasn't just about sex or protection or using my abilities. This was something I hadn't prepared for, hadn't armored myself against.
"That's..." I swallowed hard. "That's a lot to ask from someone you met hiding under your desk."
"And yet," he replied, his eyes never leaving mine, "it's what I'm asking."
I should have been terrified. Should have been looking for the nearest exit. Instead, I found myself reaching up to trace the strong line of his jaw with my fingers.
