Page 25 of Caffeine & Chaos

Ryan let out a heavy sigh as he pondered the idea. His in-house people had done a cursory check on her already, but perhaps something more comprehensive would be prudent. On the other hand, if there had been anything alarming in her past, he’d have found it already.

“Let’s go with no for now. If you find something during the course of this investigation that warrants a more thorough look into her past, then I’ll reconsider,” he said, deciding that she deserved to maintain some privacy. For now.

“Very good then.” Bruce stood and reached to shake Ryan’s hand again. “I’ll be in touch to update you on my findings.”

“Excellent, thank-you.”

Ryan saw Bruce out and leaned against the frosted glass window. Nadia was his. The thought of another man even attempting to woo her made him furious, and the thought of her entertaining the idea of another man made him sick to his stomach.

Once he found out who the other man was, Ryan would give him one chance to back off before making him wish he’d never been born.

8

Her.

At just after eight fifty-five that evening, Nadia was startled by the sound of her doorbell. She glanced at her intercom in confusion, as the doorman typically buzzed her before admitting any visitors. Rising from the couch, she approached the door cautiously and peered through the peephole. Outside stood a portly older man wearing a hat labeled ‘Night Hawk Parcel Service,’ holding a large, ornately wrapped package in his hands.

Nadia paused, her hand hovering above the doorknob. She still hadn’t ascertained who the daisies had come from and something about that was making her uneasy.

“Hello,” Nadia called through the door.

“Good evening Ma’am, I have a parcel delivery for you.”

“Why didn’t you leave it with the doorman? That is the typical procedure in our building.”

“My client was very insistent with me. I am to deliver the parcel directly to you at...” He glanced down at his watch, “exactly nine O’Clock, no exceptions. The doorman signed me in at the front desk Ma’am.”

Ma’am. What was she sixty years old? “Okay, please leave it on the doorstep. I’ll come out to collect it shortly. I am... not decent.” She was going to have words with whoever was the evening watchman tonight.

“No can-do Ma’am, I need a signature.” The man shifted his weight from side to side, looking like his feet hurt.

Nadia sighed and waited twenty or so seconds. Having already lied about not being decent, she couldn’t just open the door immediately. After a moment, she slid back and un-hinged the top lock on the door and turned the deadbolt. Still feeling paranoid, she positioned her foot behind the door, ready to control its opening width.

Nadia peered through the eight-inch opening in the door and took the clipboard from him, scrawling her name beside the X and handing it back. “You can just set it down; I’ll grab it in a minute.” Why she was being so cautious? She had always felt safe in her building in the past.

“Whatever you say Ma’am. Have a good evening.”

Once the elevator doors closed behind him, Nadia knelt down to retrieve the package. It was surprisingly light for its size and adorned in exquisite silver and white lace-printed paper with navy blue ribbons as accents. As she gently shook the package, Nadia thought she could discern the faint swish of fabric inside.

She sank into her couch and placed the package on the coffee table. Perhaps it was a gift from her mother, a familiar attempt to smooth things over after a disagreement. Nadia pushed aside that notion. Dinner the other night hadn’t been disastrous enough to warrant a gift from her mother, and it was too soon for any reconciliations. Besides, Valentina was likely still stewing over Nadia’s new boyfriend to even consider making amends.

She carefully removed the ribbon and flipped the package over to locate the seam of the wrapping paper. Nadia wasn’t usually so meticulous when opening gifts, but she couldn’t shake off her unease about its origin.

Peeling away the paper, she uncovered a matte black clothing box and lifted its lid with care. Resting atop the grey tissue paper within was a folded note, written on sturdy card-stock stationary.

Nadia opened the note and read: “Try it on. –Ryan”

A sigh of relief escaped her lips; it was a gift from Ryan. With excitement, she tore away the tissue paper, revealing something crafted from black velvet. Her breath caught in her throat as she trailed her fingertips along the smooth fabric. Was it lingerie? She licked her lips as she imagined herself putting on a torturous strip tease for Ryan, wearing the outfit he bought her.

Nadia pulled the garment from the package, revealing a stunning floor-length gown. Holding it up against herself, she headed to the hallway mirror for a closer look. The dress was a strapless Oscar de la Renta creation, exuding both allure and sophistication. Its neckline plunged in a flattering V-shape, while a flamenco-inspired ruffled train added flair. Eager to try it on, Nadia dashed into her room.

The dress hugged her curves perfectly, as if it had been tailored specifically for her. Nadia couldn’t help but wonder if Ryan had indeed arranged for it to be custom-made. His extensive connections and influence certainly made it plausible. Turning halfway in front of the mirror, she watched with delight as the ruffled train danced around her. The dress was undeniably breathtaking.

Nadia’s phone vibrated on the coffee table in her living room, drawing her attention. With one final twirl in front of the mirror, she hurried over to check her phone.

Ryan: Does it fit?

Nadia: It’s fits amazingly well. How did you know my measurements?

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