Page 124 of Tempt Me (Dark Odyssey 4)

“Time off, Ava. A break. That way you can get yourself organized and spend time with your father.”

But I’d rather be here. I can’t be around anyone right now. Definitely not around anyone like Dad, or Vincent. Not Holly either.

“Oh… thanks so much.” I pretend my gratitude. “Are you sure I shouldn’t come in and work? There’s always so much to be done.”

He laughs. “Ava, sweetie. Only you would say such a thing to me. The answer is no. You’ve done everything, so have some time to yourself. Come in next week until Wednesday, and that’s it. Spend the time with your father and packing.”

If I press to stay, it’s going to look weird. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“Good, see you in the morning. Don’t stay too late.”

“I won’t.” I can’t. Vincent will be here in half an hour on the mark.

Freddie leaves, and I turn back to the bookcase deciding to continue where I left off.

I’d just gotten to E. The lady who owned all these books donated them to the office before she left. I found them very useful when I started. There’s everything from yoga to understanding plyometrics training. There’s a little bit of everything to help us research. It’s not massive, but it’s quick access.

Footsteps sound against the floor again, and I turn thinking Freddie forgot to tell me something.

It’s not Freddie at the door though. It’s Dmitri.

The shock from the sight of him makes me drop the book I was holding.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” he says.

Jesus Christ… what is he doing here?

Oh God… why am I even thinking that? He’s here because he recognized me. The same look is in his eyes. The same look from two nights ago.

Fuck.

My heart freezes in my chest when he walks up to me, crouches down, and picks up the book.

He holds it out to me, and I take it. Our fingers brush against each other, and bile rises in my throat.

He touched me. It was the touch I was avoiding. Vincent’s not here to save me. He’s not here. No one is.

He smiles that wicked smile I remember. It’s so prominent in my mind. Apart from my uncle, this man was the worst.

“I hope you don’t mind me dropping by,” he states.

“No…” I answer, steadying my voice. I try to push aside terror and reach deep down inside my soul for courage. His very presence is suspicious. I never gave this man my new name. How does he know where I work? “Is there something I can do for you?”

“It’s just that… I thought I recognized you.”

I play the good actress and narrow my eyes. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before. Where might that have been?”

It’s not working. A shiver runs down my spine mixed with cold and heat when he looks me over.

“Have you ever been to Russia?” He looks into my eyes. My fucking eyes. The same way he used to when he had me pinned beneath him.

“No… I have not. I’ve lived here all my life. Is that what you came to ask me?”

“Yes… Ava Knight. My mistake though. I thought you might be someone else.”

Ava Knight…he full names me. I steady my heart.

“Oh, well, if that’s all, I’m quite busy. I need to finish my work.”

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