Page 22 of Pay the Piper

“A picnic!” Teddy and Thatcher chirp simultaneously.

“Well, I’m not doing that.” I give them my most practiced smile and turn to Nikki, a plea for help in my expression. “Any ideas for the next one?”

“Just do something simple…” His eyes gleam over as if lost in a memory. “Like taking her to a romantic cabin in the snowy mountains. One with a really nice hot tub. I can’t stress the importance of the hot tub enough.”

We wait for Nikki to expand on his idea, but he’s lost in his own little world, picking at nonexistent lint on my comforter and mumbling about snow.

“Um, thanks, guys. I love the suggestions. It would probably mean more if I came up with something on my own, though.” Weirdos.

One thing is for certain. Before I do anything, I need to rip the Band-Aid off and do a proper screening. At least to figure out how old she is, and to make sure she’s unattached. I’m already in too deep, but I need to make sure she’s safe before she completely washes me away.

As my server buzzes and begins her background check, I realize I have an even more important obligation. One rush order later, and the most discreet security system on the market is on its way to my doorstep. Until I can convince her she belongs here with me, the least I can do is keep an eye on her.

Nothing can hurt my lesnaya. Not while I breathe.

Chapter 11

It’s nothing, Abby. You’ve watched too much true crime, and now you’ve psyched yourself out. There are plenty of locks on the door, you’re too high up in the building for anyone to breach the balcony without being an elite assassin, and…

Shit.

I guess there are more than a few of those in my life at this point. But still, I don’t think Conor is currently pissed enough to murder me. I’m not important enough to him to be used as blackmail, so hopefully all his enemies know that he truly couldn’t care less what happens to me. I suppose someone related to the Santoris could have discovered my deception and come for me. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to see Gabri silently climb a twenty-story building with ease.

Thwack.

Okay, that’s it. That was for sure not my imagination, and it was right outside my door. Maybe whoever it is killed the doorman, and overrode the elevator code to come kill me. I have knives in the kitchen, but that’s as prepared as I am for a home invasion.

This is ridiculous. Whether someone’s there or not, I’ll never be able to sleep tonight. Maybe I should call the cops…although I really don’t need anyone sniffing around me or the records for this condo. I can just slowly approach the door and see if anyone’s there through the peephole…

Bzzz.

Another ominous noise from the hallway outside my door pushes me into action, and I scramble back into the living room. Before I can think, my phone is in my hand. My most recent text thread is with Conor, mostly him bitching me out about my progress, but right below him…

Me: Hi. This is weird, but I think someone’s trying to break into my house

His reply is instant, and I’m sure he already had his phone open…but a tiny part of me revels in the idea that he was about to text me. Or was waiting for me to text him.

Misha: Address?

It’s a no-brainer to give it to him even though Conor swore that I shouldn’t let anybody come over. Too much of a chance to blow my cover, he said. Misha’s safe, though. I know it.

Misha: I’m on my way. Why do you think that someone is trying to break in?

Oh. I really didn’t expect him to just drop everything and come over.

Me: No, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you come here, especially if you were busy or something

Misha: Already in the neighborhood

Misha: Are you ok? I’ll be there soon

Why would he be in the neighborhood? Was he on a date? There’s a cute little shopping street a few blocks away with a few restaurants.

Me: I’m okay

Me: Sorry if I interrupted your dinner or anything

God, I sound pathetic. But my heart is racing, and I’m not thinking clearly.