Page 10 of Twisted Vows

Rurik leaned back in his chair, his expression pensive as he nursed his coffee. “Seeing you deal with customers like that gives me a new appreciation for how we deal with someone so disrespectful in our world.”

“Let’s just be grateful we don’t have to handle that kind of nonsense often,” I said, taking a sip of my macchiato. “I'll take smashing Armenian heads any day over that.”

With a laugh, Rurik’s gaze drifted toward the back room where Nika had disappeared, a contemplative frown creasing his brow. “I wonder what she sees when she looks at us.”

I followed his line of sight, my thoughts mirroring his own. Did Nika sense the darkness that lurked beneath our carefully crafted facades? Or did she see beyond all that? It was clear she was attracted to us, but would a good girl like that ever act on it?

Shaking my head, I pushed aside those musings. It was better for her to remain oblivious. It was certainly safer that way. Our world was no place for someone as pure and untainted as Nika.

“Best not to dwell on it,” I send, draining the last of my coffee. “Some things are better left unknown.”

Rurik’s gaze met mine, a silent understanding passing between us. In our line of work, ignorance was often a blessing, a shield against harsh realities.

As we rose to leave, I cast one last glance toward the back room, hoping to see Nika, but she was still out of sight. It felt like she was a million miles away.

***

I had no business waiting outside her place of employment, but I couldn't get her out of my thoughts. I was concerned about her walking home alone, and truthfully, I just wanted an excuse to see her again. The evening rush had subsided, leaving Jitter Beans in a tranquil lull as the last few customers trickled out. I lingered near the entrance, my gaze fixed on Nika as she wiped down the counters, her movements fluid and practiced.

A stray lock of hair fell across her face, and she tucked it behind her ear, her brow furrowed in concentration. The soft glow of the overhead lights cast a warm halo around her, accentuating the delicate curves of her features.

As if sensing my presence, she glanced up, her eyes widening slightly before a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. She waved for me to come in, and my feet obeyed.

“Malachi,” she said when I stepped through the door, her voice a gentle melody. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon. We're closed.”

I stepped forward, my footfalls muffled by the plush carpet. “I wanted to make sure you got home safely after that unpleasant incident earlier.”

She averted her gaze, busying herself with straightening the already immaculate counter. “You really didn't have to do that. I’ll be fine.”

Undeterred, I closed the distance between us. “Humor me,” I said, my voice low and insistent.

As she looked at me, a flicker of uncertainty flickered across her delicate features. For a moment, I thought she might protest further, but then her shoulders sagged in acquiescence.

“All right. I appreciate the concern.”

With a nod, I stepped back, allowing her to gather her belongings and lock up the cafe. The evening air carried a crisp chill, and she hugged her jacket tighter around her slender frame as we made our way toward the sidewalk.

Silence stretched between us, comfortable yet charged with an undercurrent of tension. I was acutely aware of her presence beside me, the subtle sway of her hips, the faint floral scent that clung to her hair.

She was the first to speak. “What brings a man like you to a place like this?”

I arched an eyebrow, my gaze sliding toward her. “A man like me?”

A hint of mischief danced in her eyes as she met my stare. “You know, the strong, silent type. The kind of guy who looks like he could bench press a truck.”

A low chuckle rumbled in my chest at her playful assessment. “Thank you, I think. To answer your question, I enjoy coffee. What about you? Why do you work here?”

She flushed but didn’t shy away from my scrutiny. “It’s just a job to help pay the bills while I’m in school. Interior design is my real passion.”

I nodded, filing away the tidbit of information. “Anything that brings more beauty to this world is a noble pursuit.”

We lapsed back into silence, our footsteps echoing in the deserted parking lot. Nika’s apartment building came into sight. As we approached, I scanned our surroundings, my senses attuned to any potential threats. Satisfied that we were alone, I turned to face her, my expression inscrutable.

“This is me,” she said, gesturing toward the locked entryway.

I inclined my head, my gaze holding hers. “Stay safe, Nika.”

A flicker of curiosity danced across her features, as if she sensed the weight behind my words, but instead of probing further, she merely offered a warm smile. “Thank you, Malachi. For everything.”

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