Page 69 of Watch Me

Jude opened his mouth to respond, but before he could say anything, I leaned in and kissed him. He let out the softest of whimpers before I broke the kiss. "What would happen is my mother would skin my hide for not bringing you downstairs."

"Nikolai, I can’t go downstairs looking like this," he said as he motioned to his sweats.

I found myself skimming the length of his body. When I lifted my eyes back up to meet his, I said, "The only one who's going to have a problem with that outfit is me."

I leaned in so my lips brushed the shell of his ear as I added, "Because while you’ll be surrounded by my family, all I'll be able to think about is…"

I paused and finished the rest of my words in Russian.

By the time I pulled back, Jude was breathing heavily. "What did you say?" he asked.

I skimmed another brief kiss over his lips before climbing to my feet and securing a still-sleeping Maks on my hip. I held out my free hand and said, "I'll tell you after we eat.”

Jude hesitated for a long moment, but when he slipped his fingers into my hand, I wanted to do a victory dance.

As I led Jude from the apartment, I knew I should've been chastising myself for the fact that I was once again letting my emotions take over my professional obligations, but that wasn't on my mind at all.

Because even though I wanted to deny it, that ship had sailed a while ago and try as I might, I wasn’t all that sad to see it go.

Chapter 18

Jude

I wasn't sure what to expect when I allowed Nikolai to lead me into the kitchen of the apartment below his, but it most certainly wasn't to be immediately gathered up into a series of warm hugs by every single member of the Falkov family. Even a still-sleepy Maks got in on the action when Nikolai put him on the floor. The little boy wrapped his arms around one of my lower legs while Natalia took possession of the other.

I was still very aware of the fact that I was in what amounted to my pajamas, but for whatever reason, no one else seemed to really notice. Nikolai acted as translator when I was reintroduced to his parents.

I'd assumed lunch would be a simple affair, especially with it being a workday, but just as I was finishing my second bowl of a tasty soup called Shchi, Nikolai informed me with a grin that we were only just getting started and to save room in my stomach for the next course.

Yeah, course.

“In Russia, lunch is the most important meal of the day, not dinner," Nikolai’s sister, Elena, explained as she handed me a dish with something on it that I didn't recognize.

Despite it being a workday, the entire family had gathered to eat together. The group, although small, was lively. Since the majority of the conversation took place in Russian, I pretty much missed everything that was said. But I didn't need to speak the language to know that the members of the Falkov family loved one another and truly enjoyed being together.

The best part was watching Nikolai soften and relax around his family. His smiles were almost nonstop, and I loved hearing the sound of his laughter. But more than anything, I adored the way he interacted with his niece and nephew. As big and tough as he was, there was no doubting that the children held his heart. And why shouldn't they? They were sweet, funny, and kind.

As I took one of what Elena had called cabbage rolls, I couldn’t help but steal another glance at Nikolai who was seated next to his mother. I didn't miss the fact that both he and his mother kept looking my way as they talked amongst themselves. It made me anxious to think that I was the topic of conversation, but it wasn't like I could do anything about it.

I figured Nikolai was probably telling his mother about why I’d spent the night at his place.

"Don't worry, it's all good," I heard Elena say as she leaned in close to me.

I had enough sense to finish chewing my food before I responded with, "What is?"

"Those two," she said with a nod in her mother and brother’s direction. "Nikolai is currently getting the third degree about you."

"The third degree?” I asked stupidly.

"How long has he known you, what do you do, he’d better not let you get away…"

I jerked my eyes in Elena’s direction. This time I nearly did spit out some food as I said, "Oh no, you don't understand, it isn't like that." I kept my voice low enough that Nikolai wouldn't hear me.

"You sound certain of that," Elena said softly.

I dropped my eyes to my plate and then nodded. "I'm just a job."

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