Page 49 of Unholy Tsar

CECILIA

It’s been hours since I was dropped off at home, but I haven’t been able to shake this lingering feeling since I left Maksim. It’s not arousal. It’s not shame. It’s not happiness. It’s just… something I can’t quite put my finger on.

I keep replaying what happened in my mind.

We had a quickie on the bathroom floor, but somehow, it didn’t feel dirty. And the way he looked at me afterward?

I shiver just thinking about that tender glint in his eyes. No one’s ever looked at me like that before.

For a second there, I thought he’d say he’d changed his mind about me coming back to my apartment. That I should go wait for him in his penthouse instead. But he didn’t.

And part of me died—part of me I didn’t know was there… or maybe it was a part I didn’t want to acknowledge.

A deep sigh escapes my chest as I turn around in bed and stare up at the ceiling.

Suddenly, there’s a short knock on my door. My heart jolts. Could it be?... I roll off the mattress and rush to open the door, a smile growing on my lips.

That smile vanishes when I see Mykel standing there instead.

“Disappointed?” he asks, a hint of amusement in his tone before it turns more serious. “You know what? It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to take it personally.”

Despite myself, I let out a little laugh. “Please don’t. I don’t know why I was expecting someone else.”

He nods sagely. “I know what that’s like. Marie asked if you’re ready for dinner.”

I look back over my shoulder at my lonely room, the walls suddenly feeling like they’re closing in on me. I’d rather spend my time anywhere else.

“Actually, can I eat out tonight?” The words tumble out before I can think. But I’m desperate for a change of scene. Anything to take my mind off what I’ve done… and what I have to do.

“You want takeout?”

“No, I–” I hesitate, unsure if my suggestion is even wise. “I want to go out to eat.”

“Ah,” Mykel nods again. “I’ll have to check with the higher-ups, but I think that can be arranged. Of course, you’d have to promise to be on your best behavior and do whatever I tell you.”

“You have my word.”

With swift movement, Mykel pulls out his phone and types something in. A moment later, he gestures for me to follow him.

Despite it being my request, I still linger at the study’s doorway while he informs his men about this new change in plans. They stand up and flank me as we make our way outside.

Is this really a good idea?

Mykel opens the car door for me and hops into the passenger seat. “Do you have a place in mind? Or do I get to pick?”

“You can pick. Nothing fancy, though. Not too far away either. Oh, and the food has to be delicious.”

“I know just the place.” He leans forward and inputs an address into the GPS for the driver. I settle back in my seat and close my eyes. It’s only been a day since Mykel became my head of security, but I already like his vibe. Still, if I think about it for too long, I feel even guiltier about what happened to Roy. I sigh, promising myself that if I ever get a chance to make up for it, I will.

We barely drive a few blocks before the car rolls to a stop. I open my eyes.

“We’re here,” Mykel announces.

I glance out of my window, frowning. Here is a shabby-looking diner. The sign reads Dainty Diner. Or at least, I’m guessing it does. There’s an apparent gap where the I and Y are supposed to be leaving only Da nt Diner.

“Umm.” I search for a polite way to tell Mykel I’d rather go someplace else.

“Don’t knock it until you try it. They have good food,” Mykel assures as he gets out of the car. He opens my door for me, and I hesitantly climb out.