"I am not in the mood, Niko,” I seethed.
"That much is clear. Are you ever in the mood?"
"Where," I said, grinding my molars to dust, "is Eva?"
Nikolai gulped. He lifted both hands slowly, palms out in surrender. "Easy, dude. Don't start killing me yet. I have a feeling you're not going to like what I have to say.”
"I don't like anything you say. Start talking."
"You're going to need a coat. And probably a shower.”
"No."
"Aleksandr—"
My fingers flexed. "Tick tock, Nikolai. You're running your mouth a lot for someone who's running out of time."
Niko's mouth twitched, like he was fighting a smile. "See, but if I tell you where she is, you're either going to go all crazy and fuck things up for yourself, or you won't come with me. So rinse off, put on something presentable, and meet me back at the door."
"No."
"I haven't even said where!"
"I don't care."
Nikolai sighed, flopping backward onto the couch that I, unfortunately, liked too much to stain it with his blood. "Then I suppose you don't want to see her."
That made me still. "Are you saying you'll bring me to her if I come with you?"
A slow smile unfurled across his face. He had me, and he knew it. "I'm not saying anything until you put on your coat and rinse whatever is causing that horrible smell off you.”
"That's not an answer."
"It's the only one you're getting."
I stared at him for a long moment, weighing my options. Killing him would feel good—but it would also end my chances of seeing Eva tonight. And that, I couldn't risk.
"Give me one hour," Nikolai added, softer now. "One hour where you trust me. And if I'm wrong, you can throw me off the balcony, or whatever it is you want to do.”
I exhaled through my teeth and began stomping to the stairs. "Fine. But I won't enjoy it.”
December 26th
Jules
Good luck tonight, Annie.
Evangeline
The correct phrase is “break a leg.” :)
Jules
If someone breaks your leg, I will fucking destroy them.
Evangeline
Jeez, Jules…
