By the time he stood, he was a walking armory. He checked each of his weapons once more before glancing at his watch and frowning.
“I have to go.”
He made no effort to move towards the door, though.
“I know.”
His gaze met hers, and she could see him warring with himself. “I can’t… they’re waiting for me.”
“Go.”
Nikhail inhaled deeply, moving towards the door. He paused, his hand on the knob, and looked at her over his shoulder. “I’m glad you came, River.”
The corner of her lips twitched up. “Me, too.”
His fingers twitched. A heartbeat later, he released the doorknob and spun around.
Nikhail strode towards her, his steps containing a newfound sense of urgency. He cupped the back of her neck with one hand and used the other to brace himself against the wall.
River barely inhaled before Nikhail’s lips crashed down on hers. This kiss was deep. Full of passion. As if he was breathing her in, memorizing the way she felt,knowingher.
It was everything she wanted….
And it was over far too soon.
Nikhail pulled back, his chest heaving, and swept his amber eyes over hers. Panting, River pressed her hands against the wall. Trying to ground herself after that world-altering kiss. It pleased River to see that she wasn’t the only one affected—the bulge in Nikhail’s pants spoke to exactly how much he wanted this. Wantedher.
“I couldn’t let our first date end without a proper kiss goodbye,” he said, breathlessly.
Then, as if he hadn’t just kissed her like she was the cure to all life’s problems, Nikhail slipped out the door. The lock engaged, and the sound echoed through the apartment.
River sank to the ground and traced her still-buzzing lips. “Best first date ever.”
CHAPTER 24
Avoid Lethal Force
Every step Nikhail took away from apartment 5C hurt. Every step felt like he was leaving a part of himself behind.
I’m the only one who knows the code to the apartment,he reminded himself as his feet trod the patterned hallway carpet.She will be safe.
The keycode was reprogrammed with every new stay. Additionally, Nikhail was the only person, other than Nadya and Ryker, who even knew River was in the Southern Region.
She would be safe.
He knew that, and yet, he hated walking away from River almost as much as he’d hated the idea of her staying in the Central Region, away from him.
Checking his weapons one more time, the guns a backup in case his magic wasn’t enough, Nikhail forced himself to enter the elevator and press the button for the basement. His chest ached as the elevator descended, but he gritted his teeth against the pain.
He’d have to get used to this. After all, he couldn’t stay by River’s side every moment of every day.
If only she weren’t wearing prohiberis manacles. He would feel better if River had access to her power so she could defend herself if needed.
But he couldn’t force her to take off the shackles, no matter how much he hated them.
She will be fine.
Nikhail repeated the words in his mind as the elevator descended, hoping that if he said them enough, he would start to believe them.