Page 25 of Ruinous Need
“I guess the dog was outside because of you, huh?” The shorter one gestures to the couch where I seized up in fear.
I nod my head, embarrassed that my fear is so obvious. And a little shaken to learn that Viktor has left me alone for days without telling me. And then sent the Italian mafia over. Aren’t they supposed to be enemies?
“I don’t like dogs,” I reply, shooting a glance at the black monster being held back by his collar.He seems relaxed with these guys, which makes me think they’re regular visitors.
“Definitely not V’s girlfriend then.” The taller one nods, his lip twitching.
“What?” I shoot back, trying to keep my voice as crisp as possible.
“He loves this guy more than any human being.” Merc rubs the dog’s belly and I try not to flinch away as the dog squirms a little closer to me. “I think it would be an issue.”
The taller one is still looking at me with his eyes narrowed. “You still haven’t explained why you’re here.”
“Take it up with Viktor.” I hope that my bluff works. He never mentioned anyone else coming to his apartment. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to tell his friends.
The shorter one jerks a thumb over his shoulder. “We’re heading back out. Do you want to walk the dog?”
My heart pounds in my chest. They’re really offering to let me out.
The taller one isn’t looking so friendly anymore. “She doesn’t like dogs, Merc.”
“But she looks like she could use some fresh air.” He shoots a glance at me. “No offense.”
I wonder if it’s obvious that I’ve been rotting inside in sweatpants and a hoodie all week.I haven’t brushed my hair since I arrived. There’s no hairbrush in the bathroom.
“No, not at all.” I force my face into a smile and laugh to hide how much my pulse is racing. “You’re totally right. Fresh air would be great.”
Merc grins. “Cool. We normally go down to the park and do a few laps. Chekhov could go for the whole day.”
“That sounds amazing.” I’m already mentally planning out how to make a break from the two of them and reach the nearest payphone. Or hail a cab. If I can just make it to the nearest dance studio…
The taller one is frowning at his phone.
“You must do more exercise than just dog-walking right?” I ask Merc. He seems chatty. Maybe if I keep him talking he won’t catch on to how weird this whole situation is.
He seems surprised by the question but keeps talking to me about his work-out routine.
“Yeah, you’re kinda ripped,” I say absentmindedly. He looks chuffed.
I grab a pair of running shoes that look about ten sizes too big beside the door. Unless I wear the stilettos from my date,they’re the only shoes available. Viktor wasn’t exactly planning on letting me out for a walk.
But neither of these guys are watching me closely enough to clock the too-big shoes.
Merc is busy hooking Chekhov to the lead while the tall guy texts someone. I monitor the dog out of the corner of my eye.
We’re so close. The hallway door is in sight.
Just as we’re about to leave, the dog panting loudly with excitement, the tall guy goes still and holds up one tattooed hand.
“Ben?” asks Merc, his brow creasing.
Then Ben looks up and straight at me. His expression is faintly triumphant. The expression makes my stomach curl.
“I knew something was off.”
No.
He continues. “V says to take the dog and leave the girl. He’s coming back for you, now.”
