Twin sister?
I couldn’t picture it. Nik—stoic, intimidating, tightly wound with control—had a twin? Someone who shared his blood and maybe even knew how to unravel the angst in him?
“Her name is Anastasia,” Aria continued, clearly reading the incredulity in my expression. “She’s expecting a baby soon.”
She smiled and stepped back. “The only room he obsessed over when decorating this place was Ana’s suite. Have you seen it?”
I nodded slowly. “Yeah… It’s perfect.”
A shot of guilt nagged at my consciousness for assuming the suite was for a woman he kept around as a plaything.
“He made sure she’d love it—said he wanted everything ready for when she finally visits. He’s dying to meet her baby when he’s born.”
My heart stuttered. Nik—excited about ababy? The image didn’t compute. And yet…I could suddenly envision his big, calloused hands holding something tiny and delicate.
What would he be like as a father?
No! I couldn’t let myself go there. He was probably still planning to ship me off to the West Coast with a fake name and a one-way plane ticket.
Aria handed me the pearly clutch. “You ready?”
“I think so.”
We were laughing about whether I could actuallywalkin the heels when I looked up and froze.
Nik stood in the doorway, one shoulder braced against the frame, arms crossed over a dark charcoal suit that fit him like sin. No tie. Open collar. Smirk in full effect.
He dragged his gaze over me like a flamethrower. “Damn,” he said softly. “Aria, remind me to give you a raise.”
She grinned. “You’re welcome.”
He looked at me, then held out his hand. “Come here, sunshine.”
Butterflies erupted in my stomach. I slid my hand into his, and electricity shot up my arm instantly. His hand was so strong as his fingers closed over mine—the same hand that had caressed my bare skin, wrapped around my wrists, gripped my waist…
My face flushed hot.
Aria giggled next to me.
Nik glanced briefly at her. “Thanks for helping.”
“I’ll tidy up and head out with Slade in a few minutes,” she said, already gathering up tissue paper. “Anything else?”
“No,” he said without looking away from me.
He guided me toward the elevator and was sliding his hand around my waist when Aria called out, “Wait!”
She rushed up with the coat—the stunning white wool one with fur cuffs. I’d forgotten all about it.
Nik took it from her and helped me into it. Gently, he brushed my hair out from under the collar, his fingers grazing the back of my neck—
A shiver ran through me.
And I was lost.
The elevator doors glided open with a soft whoosh, and Nik guided me inside with a light touch on the small of my back. Even that managed to short-circuit my brain.
As the elevator began its descent, I swayed slightly in my heels. His arm came around me instantly, steadying me with ease.
