Page 27 of Caged

“I’m sorry. It looked good on TV.” I wipe tears as my giggles subside.

“Looks can be deceiving.” He pins me with a stare, a hint of a smile still tugging at his lips.

Maybe I am making some progress?

His phone rings and shatters the moment.

“Yes. Yes.” He slips into Russian. “And they’re sure it’s Knox? Call Lara if Alexei isn’t answering. No, I’ll go get him. I need to stop for food after I pick him up.” He glances at me.

He probably doesn’t know I can understand him. I try to keep the same foolish grin on my face so he thinks he’s hiding it from me.

Yes, I know, I can’t cook.

If it wasn’t for the stupid diamonds, I wouldn’t be.

“I have to go out tonight.” He switches back to English.

I make sure to fake a look of disappointment. “Oh. I’m sorry the stroganoff didn’t turn out. There’s some frozen pizza in the freezer I can make instead?” I’m already up and clearing the disgusting meal.

Someone would die of salt toxicity if they ate this nastiness.

Maybe Tyler was right and I was trying to poison him without even realizing it?

My subconscious is a bitch.

He shakes his head, then runs his fingers through his short hair. “You’ll be okay?”

Shit.

I bite my lip hard enough to bring tears to my eyes, letting some spill over before giving him a nod.

His brow furrows as he stares at me, but doesn’t say anything else.

Picking up his bag, he walks to the door, but stops. “I appreciate you trying to cook. After tonight, it will be safe enough for you to be free.”

Watching through the window, I wait until he’s pulled out of the driveway before running towards my room.

Fuck.

“What’s the matter?” Tyler asks as soon as the connection is made.

“You need to tell Knox to get the hell out of there.” From what I’ve learned about him, the head of the Reapers really does need to be removed.

But, not yet.

If he dies, I have no more reason to stay here with Nikolai. And, tonight was the first sign of progress I’ve made.

I know I’m getting closer.

“I’ll get a hold of Kirill and have him pass it on.” Tyler types in the background. “You must be enjoying the domestic life?”

“Kiss my ass.”

Tyler laughs. “Glad to hear you haven’t gone to the dark side.”

“There’s too much cleaning involved.” I know how to get out a blood stain. But, why does pizza sauce leave a permanent mark?

It’s for someone more patient than me.