Page 27 of Nikolai

Just as Nikolai goes to speak again, he's interrupted by someone calling out my name. "Leah?"

Turning, I see Rhett, the guy who owns the gym and teaches the self-defense classes I inquired about, striding toward me. He has a big smile on his face but loses it when his focus lands on the man beside me. Suddenly there is a shift in the air around us, and Nikolai stiffens. Rhett stops two feet in front of me.

"Hi Rhett," I give him a little wave.

"I thought that was you I saw from across the way. You haven't been back by the gym, and you never called. I wanted to see if you had given any more thought to the class or my offer?"

I go to answer Rhett only to have Nikolai jump in and answer for me. "Leah will not require your services," he clips, bringing his arm up from behind me and gently but firmly grips my neck. I shiver when his thumb strokes the spot behind my ear. The move doesn't go unnoticed by Rhett, whose eyes lock on Nikolai's hand.

"No disrespect, man, but I was talking to Leah. It's my understanding she had an incident that made her feel unsafe, so she came to my gym for help. I teach self-defense," Rhett informs Nikolai. And as soon as the words leave his mouth, the atmosphere in our little circle changes, and I swear Nikolai grows a foot taller. His entire demeanor morphs and his accent became more pronounced with his next statement.

"Well, now, you are speaking to me. I am informing you, Leah does not require your services, professional or personal. I will see to her safety and her needs."

"And who is it I'm speaking to?"

"Nikolai Volkov."

Recognition flashes across Rhett's face, and he doesn't do an excellent job at hiding his shock. My guess would be he has heard of the Volkov name. The Volkov's have made a name for themselves in Polson as much as The Kings. The two men engage in an intense stare off for several seconds. Along with the words that just came out of Nikolai's mouth, has me reeling.

Once Rhett tears his eyes away from Nikolai, he brings his attention back to me. He looks like he wants to say something but doesn't. When he regards Nikolai for the last time, he gives him a chin lift. "Understood."

Understood? What does he understand?

Nikolai nods. "Good."

Now I'm confused. What does Rhett understand? What the heck just happened. Why would Rhett and Nikolai hold some sort of macho man stand-off in the middle of the grocery store? Was Alba, right? Does Rhett like me?

On the wayback to my apartment, I muster up the guts to ask him the question that's been plaguing me since his showdown with Rhett. "Nikolai?"

"Yeah?"

I rub my palms up and down my pant legs. "What was the deal between you and Rhett back at the store? You were kind of mean to him, and he was only being nice to me."

Nikolai's grip on the steering wheel tightens as he answers. "I put him in his place."

Still confused, I ask, "What's his place?"

Nikolai takes his eyes off the road, leveling me with a look. Suddenly it feels like all the oxygen is sucked from the car. "Anywhere you're not."

Holy crap! What do I say to that?

11

Nikolai

The remainder of the short ride to Leah's apartment is filled with silence. My mood sour, after the call I received. I keep stealing glances her way only to find her staring out the window. She seems to be unsure of my brief interaction with Rhett. My intentions of taking my time with Leah will remain the same as before, but I have no problem making sure every man in this town knows she is mine. Rhett appears to be a good man. I don't know him personally, but I am aware of his contribution to our town. By the look of recognition when I gave my name, he's heard of me as well. Turning onto the road leading to the apartment complex, I circle the building, looking for anything suspicious before parking my car. Unbuckling, Leah swings her door open.

"Um. I'll be back in a few minutes." She slides her purse over her shoulder.

"I'm coming with you." I cut the engine and pocket the keys. Before she can protest, I'm out of the car and at her side. "Keys," I hold out my hand. Leah sighs as she digs in her bag, then hands them over. Using this opportunity to show her a small but important lesson, I tell her, "Always have your keys in your hand before exiting your vehicle." Flipping the key, I place the narrow, jagged end between my fingers so that it juts out like a knife's blade, and make a fist. "Holding your key like this provides you with a weapon. If someone attempts to grab you, swing, and aim for their face." Not moving, I open my fist. "Show me."

Leah does as I ask, exactly how I demonstrated. "Like this?"

"Good," I tell her. My hand settles on her lower back as we climb the stairs. Once inside, I linger by the door. Tossing her bag on a chair nearby, Leah throws me a quick look over her shoulder.

"Be right back."

While waiting, my mind drifts back to the call from Maxim. Pulling my phone from my pocket, I call Jake. He picks up on the third ring.

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