I wanted to ask why and how I could help her. Bringing her here was safer than letting her take her chances in that unsecured building. But she hadn’t wanted to come here. Her protest about my taking charge would be the first thing for her to pin on me.
“Did Maisie sleep well?”
She nodded. “She’s always been a reliable sleeper. I was afraid that the random violence of those men following us on the sidewalk would’ve kept her awake. But she didn’t even stir when Claire came to see us.”
She took a couple more steps toward me and opened her mouth as if she was ready to launch into too many questions.
I stood, cutting her off. This wouldn’t be a short, simple conversation. If she had gotten as little sleep as I had, she would need caffeine as much as I did. Holding up my hand, I gestured at my empty cup. “Would you like some coffee first?”
Her eyes lit up as if I’d said the magic word to spark some life into her. “Yes, please,” she replied, following me into the kitchen. It didn’t escape my notice that she maintained adistance from me, keeping the big island between us. As she sat, though, she proved that she wasn’t able to wait until we had our drinks to ask me anything.
“Sergei… whoareyou? And why do you want me and my daughter here?”
I busied myself with pouring her a cup.
“Where did you get the impression that you could tell me how to live my life and that I have to obeyyourorders?”
I zoned out, staring at the dark liquid.
“I appreciate your stepping in to save us last night. I owe you everything I am and everything I have for protecting my daughter. She is all I have in this world and all that matters.”
I shook my head, turning to face her and present her with the cup. “You don’t owe me anything.”
Grasping the mug with both hands, as if she needed a lifeline, she lowered her gaze. Almost as if she were disappointed with my answer. Like I was insulting her intelligence.
“I don’t need to have any details to understand that you and I come from different worlds. You are wealthy, with bodyguards, cars, and a private doctor on call. And this place.” She glanced around, stunned. “You are armed and skilled with a gun. Last night, you proved that you know how to fight and survive street violence, that you are capable of violence yourself.I”—she pointed at herself—“have nothing but the goal of ensuring my daughter has the safest life possible with all I can manage.”
“I can help you with that.” Maybe wording it ashelpwould take the sting out of how I’d ordered her to come home with me.
“Butwhy?” She furrowed her brow. “I know it was dumb to blurt out that you were my boyfriend at the bar. I was desperate?—”
I set my hand on hers, hoping physical contact would soothe her. “You still are desperate, Natalie.”
She yanked her hands out of my reach.
I had never been that great with words. I let out a deep sigh. “I dread to think of what could’ve happened last night if I hadn’t been there.”
She sat back more, crossing her arms. “Whywereyou there? You had to have been stalking me to know where I live.”
I shrugged, owning up to it. “Would you rather me not show up?”
Chagrined, she frowned. “No. I appreciate it. I don’t know what I would’ve done otherwise.” A weak laugh left her lips. “I guess you’re right. Iamdesperate.”
I frowned at her self-deprecating tone. “What I mean to say is that you are in a desperate situation.” That sounded better. “Your building isn’t secure. Those men could easily follow you again. And without anyone else in your life or home, it is a desperate situation.”
“How do you know…” She rubbed the back of her neck. “What makes you think I don’t have anyone else?”
“I don’t think. I know.” I licked my lips and fought a smile. “Because there’s no damn way you would’ve kissed me like you did if you had someone else satisfying you.”
A sweet blush rose up on her cheeks. But now wasn’t the time for that.
“We are friends,” I said, hoping that wouldn’t launch another point of argument. “I have the means and interest in looking out for my friends. That is why you are here and will be here for as long as is necessary.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Necessary? And which of us will determinethat?”
“We’ll discuss it,” I said, standing and leaving it open-ended. “In the meantime…” I tipped my chin in the direction of where she’d come from. Maisie’s little footsteps sounded on the floor. “Make yourself at home while keeping her safe.”
She blinked at me, as if only now realizing I was once again having the last word.
