Nadezsha stared down at the seat as Arkady stood near her, holding the door of his car open. It was this, or take the bus home. The vehicle sat there, gaping open like a mouth waiting to devour her, reminding her of her decision. Was it too late to back out? She looked up at Arkady.
"Would you be more comfortable at your place or mine when we do this?" he ashed as he gestured to the seat.
"I- I don't know." She paused, wondering what his reaction would be to her shitty apartment. Hell, she didn't even have a bed -- she slept on a fold-out couch. She wasn't a slob, but she was far from a neat freak like her aunt was, and a small space inevitably had the various pieces of Nadezsha's life scattered through it. Dishes, clothes, books -- textbooks and novels -- some old CDs and mementos and the like with the only private space being the tiny bathroom. Definitely not the best place to bring home anyone she might be dating.
On the other hand, the space just might be uncomfortable for Arkady. He was obviously a man used to the finer things in life, and perhaps her apartment would put enough of a damper to the mood that seven minutes just wouldn't be enough for him. Was it worth the risk, allowing him into her personal space?
Before she could say something further, he lifted his chin.
"My place would be the best. It's more comfortable and lends more privacy, as well." He grinned at her before he motioned to the seat.
"But... I. My place-"
"It's in Ocean View, right? I know these apartments. No, you deserve better."
"How did you even-"
"Know where you lived? Your uncle mentioned it when I asked him about you and your father. Although why these apartments are called that I can not fathom why as they are nowhere near the ocean."
It was an observation she'd made when she moved in, but beggars could not be choosers. Many people in the neighborhood were poor, and Ocean View offered a practical solution in its matchbox apartments. She supposed that the builders had thought that being a few miles from the ocean afforded them the right to name the complex as such.
"My place has a much better view. I know you will enjoy it. Besides, it's closer to here."
She stared at him, imagining what he might do with the home advantage. Would he keep her captive in his apartment, chained to his bed or in a basement? Placing her hands on the top of the car door, she curled her fingers, staring at him. "How do I know I'll be safe there? How do I know that if I walk in there, I'll walk back out?"
He seemed mildly surprised. "Do you really think so poorly of me, Nadezsha?" She could almost swear she'd seen a glimmer of hurt in his eyes.
"I really don't know what to think, to be honest. This is all just..." She waved one hand in the air in a gesture of confusion and exasperation. The warmth of his hand pressed against her remaining one, his fingers curling against the back of her hand.
"Then let me tell you once and for all -- I am a man of my word. All I want is to show you how much I care about you. One way or the other. Regardless of the outcome, I swear no harm will come to you."
"Seven minutes," she reminded him flatly before she slid into the seat. She did not see the triumphant smirk on his face as he closed the door and went around to claim his own seat.
"Where do you live, anyway?"
"Oh, near the downtown area. I'm one of the owners of the building I live in."
"Building?" Part owner? She blinked.
"Yes. The Imperial Volga, heard of it?"
"I'm not in business, but yes." It was a mixture of apartments and offices, many of these leased by Russian or American-Russian businesses. Although it wasn't new, and Arkady couldn't be that old. She wondered how he came to be part of what she knew was a successful venture. The Imperial Volga had been around for as long as she could remember, and she usually passed it when she was downtown.
He nodded as he inserted the keys. "Then you know it's not far from here. Which is good because I am very eager to have a taste of my little tsaritsa."
Bloody hell. At least he wasn't calling her princess.
o0o
As he'd promised, it was not very far. The campus was near downtown, and it was less than fifteen minutes before he pulled into the parking at the ground level of the building. The space was clean, and it was obvious from the other cars she saw that anyone who lived at Ocean View would probably never be able to afford living here. Near the wide entrance was a set of glass doors leading into a lavish foyer that led visitors to the offices and business within the Imperial Volga.
Arkady drove the car past the employee area, and turned a corner into a more private but just as well-lit area. A parking space here would probably cost more than the entirety of her rent and bills per month, she observed as the car came to a stop. He pulled the keys out and pressed a button, the doors unlocking with a quiet click.
Her hand came up to the handle and she let herself out before Arkady could hasten to her side. She slung her backpack over one shoulder as she glanced at the private entrance, which was even nicer than the office one. She nearly jumped when she felt his hand on her shoulder, and she relaxed enough to let him guide her.
The door required a key, and took them into an elegant vestibule that opened to several doorways and an elevator. The paneling was beautiful dark wood, and the Muzak was nicer than what she usually heard in places like this. As the door closed and Arkady pressed a couple of buttons, he turned towards her, and took a step forward.
Her heart seemed to leap into her throat, and she gasped softly and took a step backward, effectively trapping herself into the corner. His broad shoulders filled her line of vision, and she looked up at his face. His arms slid to her sides, and she was pulled up onto the rounded railing, his groin flush against her pelvis. His lips were at her temple and jaw, breath hot as he pressed her face to his.
She gasped and arched, maintaining just enough presence of mind to blurt out, "Have the seven minutes started, then?"
He did not respond, but nipped at the side of her throat before pulling back. She took a slow breath as she slid back to the floor, trying to glare at him as she placed one hand to the bar for support.
"I know, but I thought I would give you a taste of what is in store for you."
