I was about to ask what that word meant—he had a habit of dropping Russian endearments that I couldn't understand—when the office door slammed open without warning.
Yuri stood in the doorway, looking like someone had personally offended his entire ancestral line. His eyes narrowed first at Nicolai, then positively burned with hostility when they landed on me. The fact that Nicolai's hand was still firmly attached to my hip did not escape his notice.
"Something wrong, Watchdog? Need a biscuit?" The words slipped out before I could stop them. Probably not the smartest move to antagonize Nicolai's second-in-command, but impulse control had never been my strong suit.
Yuri's jaw tightened. "We have a situation," he said, addressing Nicolai while pretending I didn't exist. "Every electronic system in the building is malfunctioning. Security cameras, communication systems, even the restaurant's billing computers—all experiencing unexplained glitches."
His gaze slid back to me, accusation written in every line of his face. "It started early this morning. Around the same time your... guest... was wandering around unescorted."
Nicolai's grip on my hip tightened possessively, pulling me even closer to his side. The protective gesture shouldn't have made me feel so damn good, but there I was, practically purring.
"I've been working on the issues in the penthouse," I said, trying to sound helpful rather than guilty. "Everything up here should be functioning now."
Yuri's eyes narrowed further. "And the rest of the building? The security cameras that went offline in the east stairwell? The payment system in the restaurant that's charging random amounts? The elevator that took three of our men to the basement instead of the lobby?"
Each accusation made Nicolai's grip tighten incrementally until I was practically molded to his side.
"Our IT team can find no explanation," Yuri continued, his voice rising with each word. "No viruses, no hacking attempts, nothing. It's as if the entire system just... decided to malfunction all at once."
Well, technically it hadn't been the system that decided. It had been my body's response to what Nicolai had been doing with his hands… and his mouth… and his—
"Perhaps we need better technicians," Nicolai suggested, his tone deceptively mild. But I could feel the tension in his body, the way he was positioned slightly in front of me now, as if shielding me from Yuri's accusations.
"Our technicians are the best in the business," Yuri countered. "They're saying it's impossible. Like the systems were... tampered with."
The way he emphasized "tampered with" while staring directly at me made his meaning crystal clear.
"Careful, Yuri," Nicolai said, his voice dropping to that dangerous register that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. "You're making accusations without proof."
The two men stared at each other in a silent battle of wills. I could practically smell the testosterone in the air, mixed with something else—something wild and primal that reminded me these weren't just ordinary men having a disagreement.
"I simply find the timing suspicious," Yuri finally said, breaking the silence. "These problems began shortly after he arrived." Another pointed look in my direction. "And now they're spreading throughout the building."
Nicolai's thumb resumed its small circles against my hip, but there was nothing soothing about the gesture now. It felt possessive, claiming. His other hand rested casually in his pocket, but I'd seen how quickly those hands could move when needed.
"I understand your concerns," Nicolai said, his voice calm but with an underlying edge that would make any sane person back down immediately. "But I expect my decisions to be respected, Yuri. Mishka is under my protection. That is not up for debate."
The words sent an unexpected wave of warmth through me, followed quickly by guilt. Because Yuri wasn't wrong. The malfunctions were my fault, even if they were accidental.
Yuri's expression hardened. "The syndicate should be your priority. Not some stray you picked up."
I could feel Nicolai's body tense further, coiled like a spring about to release. Before things could escalate, I decided to intervene.
"I can take a look at the systems downstairs," I offered. "Maybe I can figure out what's wrong."
Both men turned to look at me, Nicolai with surprise, Yuri with undisguised suspicion.
"That won't be necessary," Yuri said coldly. "Our team will handle it."
"Your team hasn't made any progress," I pointed out. "What's the harm in letting me try?"
The look Yuri gave me suggested there could be a great deal of harm, most of it directed at me. But before he could respond, Nicolai spoke.
"An excellent suggestion," he said, and I didn't miss the hint of smugness in his tone. "Mishka will examine the systems. You will provide whatever assistance he requires."
It wasn't a request. Yuri's expression made it clear he'd rather provide me with a one-way ticket to the bottom of the river, but he nodded stiffly.
"As you wish." The words practically dripped with resentment.
