Page 16 of The Dancer and the Grumpy Billionaire

“I am not sick,” I say sharply. “We have a rest day.”

“Ah,” she says. “Would you like to come out with me?”

I am tempted by the opportunity to walk around a shopping mall, to try on clothing and act like a normal human being. Still,it would be with Vera, and while she seems to be in a decent mood, things could go sour very quickly.

“No, thank you,” I say. “But thank you for the invitation.”

“Okay,” she says as she heads to grab her purse from the counter. “The men will watch the apartment while I am gone, so be good.”

She wanders toward the door and then proves just why I chose not to spend the day with her by adding, “Maybe go to the gym? You are looking puffy today.”

I sigh and give a lazy thumbs-up. She says something rude in Russian that I don’t quite hear and then leaves, the door clicking quietly behind her.

My mind instantly goes to Vasily. Could I sneak him in somehow? Roman and Alexei are nowhere to be found at the moment.

Gigi:What are u up to today

Vasily:At work. Why?

Gigi:Rare day off

Gigi:Want to see u

Gigi:Can u get away

Vasily:Sorry. I have work meetings.

Gigi:Until when

Vasily:I have to brief the Senator on something important. We stay until he is comfortable with the material.

Gigi:Damn

Vasily:Where do you live? Maybe we can meet up after I am done?

Gigi:Shadowhurst

Vasily: …

Vasily:Seriously?

Gigi:Yeah why

Vasily:I live at Shadowhurst.

My heart leaps in my chest. What are the chances that we would live in the same building?

Vasily:How is it possible I wouldn’t have seen you before?

Gigi:I only go out to go to work most days

Vasily.Well, my mind is blown.

Vasily:I need to go. I’ll text you later.

I toss the phone onto the couch, processing the fact that Vasily lives here in this very building. He is so close. It must be a sign of some sort. Still, it is not as if I can just waltz a man – aUkrainianman – into the apartment with Vera, Roman, and Alexei focused on my every move.

Speaking of which, where are those two goons? Normally, with Vera out, one would be in the apartment, and one outside on the street. I stand and stretch, not eager to draw their attention but also contemplating slipping out if they are not paying attention. Padding to the window, I look down on the street below, scanning the people and cars as they pass.

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