Page 20 of Solemn Vow

“Viktor?” I slowly turn around and come eye to chest with the arrogant man I wanted and didn’t want to come over today.

He steps back, so I don’t have to crane my neck to see him.

“You missed our date this morning,” he says casually.

“How did you get in?” My heart hasn’t slowed since the initial shock of someone being in the apartment. And now, getting a good look at him in his button-down black collared shirt with his sleeves rolled up to the elbow, his beard neatly trimmed, his dark eyes on me, there’s not much hope in it coming down any time soon.

Why does the infuriating man have to be so fucking hot?

Couldn’t he have some hairy mole right on the center of his forehead?? But the way he moves and his dark eyes would still probably be enough to make my knees weaken.

“I used my key.” He slides his hands into the front pocket of his jeans and leans back against the wall. “You weren’t home when I got here, so I let myself in.”

“You have a key to my apartment?” Why am I surprised? Nothing he does should surprise me anymore. He does whatever the hell he wants, no matter how I’m going to feel about it.

It’s an enormous red flag.

Huge.

Flying right in my face.

“When I had the locks changed, I had one made for me. In case something happened, and you needed me.” He says this with such confidence, such authority, it’s almost endearing.

“Viktor,” I grumble, turning away from him and unraveling myself from my scarf and coat. With the heat on blast, I’m practically melting beneath all the layers. “I said not to come over.”

He follows me into the living room as I hang my coat in the closet.

“And I told you I’d be here at nine.” He leans his shoulder against the door, watching me as I kick out of my shoes. I’ve tracked in mud from the walk back. I notice his boots are off too and lined up next to the front door on the little black mat.

“You did not.” I pull out my phone, ready to prove him wrong, but I see the messages now. I hadn’t checked the thread and had only been looking at the notifications for new messages. I hadn’t seen the messages that came through.

I’ll be there at nine. Be there.

Or else.

My stomach clenches. He’s made enough veiled and not so subtle threats for me to know whator elsemeans. I look up to find him lounging against the door with his arms crossed and a grin settled on his lips.

“Well. I didn’t see the message.” I try to play it off like it’s no big deal.

And it shouldn’t be.

I told him not to come.

“You would have if you hadn’t tried to ignore me.”

He really needs to understand boundaries.

“Has it occurred to you, Viktor, that I just don’t like you that way? That maybe I’m just not interested?” It’s not just him I’m trying to convince. Maybe if I say it loud enough, my own brain will listen, too.

He chuckles.

“No.” He shakes his head like it’s a silly suggestion.

“No?” He gets more arrogant by the moment.

“When I kissed you yesterday, you were interested. When you see me looking at you, your cheeks blush—you’re interested. And.” He plucks the phone from my hand. “You haven’t blocked me from your phone.”

I try to grab it back from him, but he takes it to the kitchen and puts it down next to my latte.

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