The Lies That Bind

Chapter 2 : The Agreement

My poor heart was pounding furiously when I got back home. Anxiousness, nervousness, shame, and so many other emotions ran through me all at once. Our "meeting" had gone well, it almost seemed normal... like a date. No, no, it wasn't. I quickly reminded myself of the situation I was in and that I was not in a condition to have a romantic relationship. I didn't want one, as I had far bigger issues, and this was the best way to handle those issues. For now.

I couldn't sleep that night; all I could think about was Dr. Kolomna and our newfound unconventional "relationship." Did he want nothing from me but my company? It was too good to be true, surely there was more to this? There had to be a catch, like no sex but outercourse was allowed. I frowned and rolled over; surely there was something. Then it hit me: He wanted no discussion of his personal life. What for? Was he a criminal or something? Did he have other women on the side? The question floated around in my head throughout the night, but why should I care? I was getting paid to basically do nothing. What did it matter what he did on the side?

When dawn broke, I found myself deep within the Russian Hill district, at the steps of Kazmir's apartment. Gazing up at the modern, alabaster-coated building, I couldn't help but gape. It had to be well over 10 floors tall. Picking my jaw off the ground, I checked the address on my phone: 1000 Chestnut St. Yes, this was it. A cable car dinged gently behind me as I entered the lobby, encased by glass to let in the warm sunlight. Off to the side was a marble table with a young man behind it. The formally dressed, yet wide-eyed, receptionist ran a hand through his brown curls as I approached, doing my best not to frown at his arrogant smirk.

"Good morning," I said politely. "I'm here to see Mr. Kolomna, can you tell him that 'Edith Lima' is here to see him?"

"A pretty name to match a pretty lady." The receptionist commented, that damn smirk never leaving his face. "A bit old fashioned though, but I'll let him know, ma'am."

I frowned as he picked up the phone to ring up the doctor. Old-fashioned?! My name isn't old! It's sophisticated and classy! I glared back at him as he hung up and looked back at me.

"I left him a message, Ms. Lima." He replied. "If you like, you can spend some time down here with me until Mr. Kolomna calls back?"

"No thank you, I'll just head on up. Enjoy the rest of your day." With a turn of my heels, I headed for the elevator, doing my best not to look back at him. However, I could feel his eyes on me, making fury churn in my stomach.

The elevator carried me up towards the top floor in what seemed like no time at all. I hesitated once I reached Dr. Kolomna's door and withdrew my hand from the doorbell. I could still back out and run away, tell him I changed my mind. No one knew where I was. This could all be some trap and no one would suspect I knew Dr. Kolomna. I opened my handbag to make sure I still had my mace before finally pressing the doorbell.

Suddenly, I was greeted by a disheveled Dr. Kolomna. I couldn't help but stare at his chestnut hair messily flopped over his face and his dress unbuttoned shirt which unveiled a strong, broad chest. He looked at me in annoyance before realizing who was standing before him and his handsome features evolved into that trademark smile that made my heart flip.

"Good morning, Miss Lima." He said sweetly. "You're early. Good." He stepped aside, ushering me with a "Please come in."

"Thank you," I said as I entered. To say his place was an apartment did his living quarters little justice. It was a penthouse, a fairly large one that could probably house my little apartment inside. The living room was immaculate with pure white marble walls and contrasting dark wood furniture. There were a few bookshelves in various places and a sitting area, surrounded by more bookshelves, in the far-right corner with large windows that offered a breath-taking view of the San Franciscan bay.