The Beast

Chapter 7

Chapter Seven
A Not-So Nice Surprise

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HANNAH

   Sometimes, I forget Nico's fast-texting skills aren't correlated to all men. Specifically, Lev Somov.

   I blame it on my restlessness, but ever since Lev gave the all-clear to come into his penthouse, I hadn't had the time, and when I did, I was too tired or forgot. Now it was Friday, nearing five-thirty, and I'm wondering if I should go upstairs to get the rest of the data I need.

   "Come during the day. I won't be home. You can get the information you need."

   What constitutes as a day? Does it end at four? Five?

   I wished Lev could answer the question for me, but alas, my stupid fucking client—

   Calm breaths, Hannah. He could just be busy.

   That's what I liked to tell myself every five minutes, in-between each text I sent him. They ranged from a polite greeting to an explanation and a hopeful question asking if I could come upstairs right now.

   It's been twenty minutes, and he still hasn't answered. But Lindy has.

   She's been asking for updates about the project while simultaneously suggesting the consequences if I failed. My team leader's multitasking abilities were unmatched.

   In the distance, I heard the front door open.

   "You beat me home, and you're still wearing that?" Nico pretended to gag as he dropped his strap briefcase onto the ground. "You look hot but put on your pyjamas. We're watching a horror movie tonight. I need it."

   Sitting straighter, I locked my phone and frowned. "You need it? What happened?"

   He kicked off his shoes next, all while wearing a disgruntled expression. "Lost a client to a competitor. And I got shit." I opened my mouth, an apology on the tip of my tongue when he pointed a finger. "So, we're watching a horror movie. Got it?"

   I smiled, but it tightened around the corners. When it came to watching movies, I typically leaned toward comforting, easy going plots. Mostly because they were good to have on the background while I worked. Horror movies would not let me multitask, but they were one of Nico's favourite genres, so I've gotten used to them.

   "Sure," I said, instantly making him grin. "But you aren't going out?" It's Friday. He always goes out on Friday's.

   Unbuttoning the first two buttons of his shirt, he shrugged. "I had plans, but Rocky cancelled an hour ago." Rocky was his childhood friend-slash-drinking buddy. If Nico went to a club, Rocky would be there.

   "So, you're for sure down, woman? No backing out on me."

   I laughed and nodded more enthusiastically when he narrowed his eyes. "Yes, yes. I'm down. But give me... less than an hour? I have to go upstairs and... actually, can I ask you something?"

   My tone must have worried him because he nodded and warily approached the couch. "If someone says to come during the day, what time would you say that is?"

   He sat next to me and placed his elbows into his knees, lips pressed together in thought. "Maybe noon to four? Or before four? I don't know, why?"

   Groaning loudly, I ran my fingers through my hair and briefly explained my dilemma. When I finished, Nico arched his back in a nonchalant stretch. "Honestly, Hans. It doesn't seem like a big deal. You texted him and he didn't answer, so he's probably not home right now. Which means, you're free to go. And even if he is there, what's the worst that could happen? Maybe catching him in the middle of having sex, but who has sex at five?"