Seduction's Shadow

Chapter 60: Chapter 9: Colliding Worlds

Nikol paced his suite, his thoughts in turmoil. He grabbed his phone and called his manager. "Prepare the private plane for a flight back to Canada," he ordered. "Update me on Aari's status. If the doctor permits her more rest, she can stay in my presidential suite. Arrange for a nurse. If she can travel, ask her tomorrow if she wants to go back. Talk to the pilot and manage her flight. I need the details in half an hour."

The manager quickly set things in motion. After a few minutes, he called Nikol back. "Sir, her foot is fine. She just needs some rest and painkillers. She can walk."

"Good," Nikol replied, disconnecting the call. Despite his cold demeanor, he couldn't help but worry about her.

Meanwhile, Aari, still angry at Nikol, overheard the doctor and Nikol's manager talking. "Mr. Russo wants an update as soon as possible," the manager said. "If she needs rest, she will require a nurse. He doesn't want her to strain her leg."

Aari's heart softened slightly hearing this. She thought about thanking him, but when she got up the next morning, she found out he had left the previous night. The manager informed her they would arrange a flight back home at her convenience.

"I would like to go right now," she told the manager.

After landing, Aari tried reaching Nikol's number, but he didn't pick up. Determined, she went to the Russo Mansion. When she arrived, she asked the staff, "Where is Mr. Russo?"

The staff, in a hurry, pointed her towards Nikol's bedroom by mistake. She noticed their panic but didn't think much of it. She entered the room, which was a luxurious blend of modern and classic styles. There was a sitting area near the entrance, and deeper inside was the bedroom, with a large bed and a half-wall separating the bedroom from the sitting area. The walk-in closet was another room within the room.

Aari sat on the sofa in the sitting area and waited. Fatigued, she eventually fell asleep.

Nikol returned to his suite, dressed in jeans and a black shirt, his hair still damp from the mission. He removed his guns and took off his shirt. As he turned, he noticed Aari sleeping on the sofa. She was about to fall, so he moved closer and gently adjusted her so her head rested on the other side. In the process, she woke up, hiding her eyes with her hand.

"What the hell are you doing in my room, Ms. Arison?" he shouted, his voice echoing in the large room.

Aari tried to look up, but he shouted again, "Look at me and tell me!"

"I came here to thank you," she said softly.

"Okay," he replied, moving his face close to hers. "Then thank me properly." His lips were inches from hers.

In a shocked manner, she whispered, "Thank you."

He moved his face away in anger, turning sharply. "Now get out."

Aari got up and started moving without looking up. "I don't know why you act like this," she mumbled. As she finished, she collided with him. "Oh, sorry," she said, looking up at his terrifying gaze.

"You know, Nikol, I know you care. You have to stop acting like a robot."

Furious, Nikol grabbed her arm and dragged her to the shower. He turned it on, drenching her.

"What are you doing?" she shouted.

"Shut up and stand like this," he replied, holding her firmly. "How are you feeling now? Awake? Are you coming out of your dreams? From which planet are you, or are you still dreaming? Because of you, I missed an important meeting. I called you a zillion times, and you didn't pick up. I had to go into the forest to save you."

"That's exactly what I'm trying to say!" she retorted. "You're nice, and you have a heart."

"I don't want to be nice," he snapped.

Their argument was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Nikol," a voice called. It was Aiden.

Nikol held Aari tightly, almost hiding her. "I'm taking a shower," he shouted.

"Sorry, the door was open. I'll wait outside," Aiden replied, closing the door.

Nikol leaned close to Aari's ear, whispering, "Look, I'm going outside. Don't make a noise, or you'll regret your existence." He let go of her, grabbed a towel, and removed his pants, stepping out of the shower.

Nikol stepped out of the bathroom, his towel wrapped around his waist. Aaron, lounging casually, grinned as he saw Nikol. "Rough day?" he asked, a playful glint in his eye.

Nikol ran a hand through his damp hair, sighing. "You have no idea."

Aiden chuckled. "Eve, Stella, and Rowan are downstairs, by the way. Stella was asking about you."

Nikol's expression darkened slightly at the mention of his ex, Stella. "Great," he muttered sarcastically.

"She still loves you, you know," Aiden teased. "Maybe you should tell everyone you ended things with her Mr casonova."

Before Nikol could respond, a sneeze echoed from the bathroom. Nikol's eyes widened in panic, and he quickly faked a sneeze of his own. "I'm cold," he said, forcing a shiver. "Let me get dressed. You go ahead, I'll join you guys soon."

Aiden raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Fine, but don't take too long," he said, leaving the room.

Nikol's face hardened as he walked back to the bathroom. He opened the door and he barked "I told you not to make a sound," his anger masking his concern. As he took in her drenched state, he felt a mix of frustration and desire. Her wet blouse was nearly transparent, and he could see the outline of her delicate lingerie underneath.He swore under his breath, trying to keep his mind in check.

 Nikol grabbed a towel and handed it to her. "Here, dry yourself."

Aari took the towel but looked at him defiantly. "I'm not going to wear your clothes," she said, eyeing the shirt and shorts he offered.

Nikol's eyes narrowed. "Fine," he replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Stay wet and catch a cold. It's your choice." He left the bathroom to give her space to change, closing the door behind him.

When Aari emerged a few minutes later, she was wearing his black shirt, which hung loosely on her small frame, and his shorts, which were far too big. Nikol couldn't take his eyes off her. The sight of her in his clothes stirred something deep within him, something he fought hard to suppress.