Angel’s head lay on the rim of the toilet, her stomach heaving. She thought she’d escaped the stomach bug going around at work, but no. She sat there, exhausted and miserable, puking for all she was worth. The smell wafted up and caused her stomach to roll again. She turned just enough so she could vomit. Dear God, whoever gave this to her was going to suffer.
“Angel, I got you some Gatorade!” Peter’s voice drifted toward her from the other side of the door. She groaned in response. Liquid of any kind wasn’t a good idea right now. Her stomach churned and echoed its agreement.
A quiet murmur of voices outside the door made her sit up, panicked. No, it couldn’t be. Kade couldn’t be here, couldn’t see her like this. They’d only been going out for three months. Hell, they could have been going out for three years and she wouldn’t want him to see her in the mess she currently was in.
The slow turn of the doorknob sent her spiraling into all sorts of embarrassment and shame. Why would Peter let him in here? Why?
She heard the flush of the toilet then the sink turned on. He was on his knees beside her, pulling her hair back. His black eyes blazed with sympathy. He wiped her face gently.
“You okay, babe?”
Angel looked down into the now clean toilet, mortified, very aware of the heat racing up her neck and bursting into a full out blush on her cheeks. She wanted to crawl under a rock and die. Peter was a dead man as soon as she felt well enough to stand.
“Peter asked me to come sit with you.” Kade swiped her brow again with the cool cloth. “He had to go to work and didn’t want you alone. You should have called me and told me you were sick.”
The censure in his tone made her blush harder. He was mad because she didn’t tell him she was puking her guts out? Um, no. That would never happen. Ever.
Bile rose in her throat and she tried to sit up before it spewed out. She barely made it. Kade made some kind of clucking noise like her mom used to when she was sick while he held her hair back and rubbed soothing circles along her back.
“Easy, baby. Try to breathe.”
She gagged and the dry heaves started. Kade just held her head while her insides wrung themselves out. When she was done, her head sank back down on the rim. Kade flushed again and rewet the washcloth. They did this dance for over an hour while her stomach tortured her.
“I’ll be right back.”
She was too exhausted to even lift her head when he got up and started moving around in her room. She had no energy to worry about what she had laying around in there. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen her underwear before.
He came back with clean clothes, a pillow, and a blanket. He sat those on the sink and turned the shower on. “Come on, baby, let’s get you cleaned up.”
She lay there while he undressed her then picked her up and got into the shower with her so he could bathe her and wash out her hair which reeked of vomit. The whole time, he kept saying soothing things to her in Russian, his movements gentle. Once her hair was deemed clean, he got out and toweled her off before wrapping her in a big bath towel.
“I’ll be right back. I need to change.”
She lifted her eyes and watched him as he left the bathroom. He’d gotten into the shower with her without even worrying about his own clothes. What kind of man did that? None that she knew. They’d all be grossed out and not come near her. She’d get a text or something with a feel better message. Even her friends wouldn’t have done all this.
When Kade walked back in, he wore a t-shirt and some sweat pants of her brother’s, carrying the Gatorade Peter had gotten her. He set it to the side, and without a word, he went to work drying her hair. Halfway through it, her stomach rolled and she dived for the toilet. Thankfully, it was only dry heaves.
Kade rubbed her back the entire time. She’d fallen against him, exhausted, her eyes dropping. He’d whispered something to her then moved her to the bathroom rug, put the pillow down, and helped her lie down. He threw the simple throw over her legs and then lay down with her. He’d spent all night on the bathroom floor, taking care of her.
It was one of her best memories of her time with him.
Angel turned over in the bed, staring at the ceiling. He’d always been so gentle with her, like she was a baby bird he was terrified of breaking. Not that they hadn’t fought. They’d fought a lot. He was as stubborn as she was, maybe even more so. He despised her job and made sure she knew how he felt. She’d quit the club once they were married just to make him stop nagging her. Not that she’d have been able to work that much longer anyway. Men didn’t come in to see pregnant strippers.
Unable to sleep, she found the remote to the TV and flipped on the news channel. The top story was the Boston serial killer. The drawing the sketch artist made was in the upper left hand corner as the anchor talked. She studied the image. His eyes had interrupted her dreams most of the night, making her sleep fitful. She glanced toward the clock and saw it was already after noon. There were still several hours before she had to be at work, but sleep laughed at her.
Nothing to do but get up. She took care of her business in the bathroom and brushed her teeth before heading downstairs. Kade was nowhere to be seen. Maybe he’d gone to work? She expected to feel relieved, but honestly, she wasn’t. Fear had niggled its way into the back of her mind, and at least with Kade here, she knew she was safe. Being alone in Nikoli’s massive apartment wasn’t doing anything for her nerves. She felt out of place and didn’t want to snoop. Well, she did, but she wouldn’t.
The kitchen yielded cold pizza and a bottle of water from the fridge. It would have to do. Collecting two pieces, she popped them in the microwave and took a good look around. The place was bigger than she’d first remembered. The wall of windows showcased the still falling snow. It had been a pretty harsh winter this year, more snow than she’d seen in all the years she’d lived here.
Usually, when she looked at the city, all covered in snow and sparkling like a winter wonderland, it brought her a little joy. She loved the winter and the snow, but not today. All she could see was him, hiding, waiting to grab her. She hugged herself, another wave of uncontrollable fear sweeping over her. This guy had been kidnapping women for months, and no one, not the police, not the FBI, could find him. He was a ghost.
Who apparently had his sights set on her. Why hadn’t she gone back inside with Jessie? None of this would be happening right now and she would be home safe and secure in her cozy apartment. Curled up in front of her fireplace, the Christmas tree twinkling, while she sipped hot cocoa spiked with a little something. Not here in this modern, sterile apartment that offered her no warmth, no comfort, and no sense of safety.
Well, that wasn’t exactly true. When Kade was here, she felt safe. He might be a bastard, but he promised to protect her, and she trusted that. She shouldn’t, but she did.
The microwave beeped at her, and she jumped. Dammit. This was not good. She had to get her nerves under control before tonight or she’d end up breaking every glass she touched. Bars were loud, and if she couldn’t stop jumping out of her skin at every little noise, tonight would be the death of her.
Her laptop peeked out of her messenger bag. Maybe she could do some studying while she waited until it was time to start getting ready for her shift. At least doing something as mundane as schoolwork might settle her down a bit. She took her pizza and the water over to Nikoli’s fancy couch and plopped down. Should she even be eating pizza on his all white couch? What if she stained it?
The key turned in the lock, and she went still, unbridled fear taking over. Her breath stopped, and she stared while the door was thrown open and someone entered, laughing and carrying grocery bags. Her entire body relaxed when she recognized Lily, followed closely by Nikoli.
“Angel!” Nikoli dropped his bags and started toward her, only to pause. “You okay? You’re white as a sheet.”
“I’m fine.” She took a deep breath and let it out. “I just wasn’t expecting anyone, and…”
“And you were scared.” Lily set her own bags down. “Of course you were scared. We should have called up. I didn’t think.”
“No, it’s okay. I mean, you guys have every right to come in. It’s your place.” She turned toward Nikoli. “Thanks for letting me stay here. I appreciate it.”
“No problem, Angel.” Nikoli enveloped her in a hug. “Anything for my favorite bartender. You holding up okay?”
“I’m fine.”
Nikoli snorted. “If I had a penny for every time Lily said that, I’d have a small fortune.”
Lily’s blue eyes iced over. “Is that so?”
Nikoli’s grin spread across his face, and he winked at Angel before turning his attention to Lily. “Now, dushka…”
“What did you just call her?” Angel interrupted him, appalled. He did not just call his girlfriend a douchebag, did he?
“Dushka.”
“And how many times have I told you not to call me that?” She threw her mane of heavy black hair over her shoulder.
“I can call you a prude instead.”
Angel giggled, remembering Kade’s face when she’d called him just that last night.
Nikoli looked between the two of them, his grin fading to suspicion. “What’s so funny?”
“Your brother.”
“Kade?”
“I called him a prude last night when he got all embarrassed over your closet.” Laughter bubbled up at the memory of his face. “He was like a virgin on prom night.”
Nikoli chuckled. “I would have paid good money to see that.”
“I told you we should have cleaned out the closet.” Lily picked up some of the bags and moved to the kitchen. Nikoli rolled his eyes and did the same, leaving Angel to follow them.
“You just miss all those silk bindings.” Nikoli moved up behind Lily, and Angel noticed how he didn’t touch her for a moment. It was odd, like he was giving her time to get used to him. When he leaned down and placed a kiss on her neck, she tilted her head and closed her eyes.
“Perhaps you miss being tied to the bed.” She let out a wicked little laugh herself when his breath hissed out.
“Yeah, maybe we’ll collect a few things before we go.” Nikoli’s eyes had gone all sleepy with desire. His arms swept around her, and he nestled Lily under his chin.
“Still a manwhore.” Lily shook her head in mock disgust.
Nikoli let out an outraged gasp but hugged her tighter. “But you love your manwhore.”
“Yes, I love you.” She leaned into him, turning her head up so he could kiss her properly.
Angel turned away and walked into the living room, leaving them alone for a few minutes. Manwhore? Well, some of the college girls called him that, but she hadn’t been aware Nikoli knew about it. Angel sat back down on the couch and picked up her pizza to munch on while they played lovey dovey. To be that young and in love. She smiled, remembering the first few months of her and Kade’s relationship.
“Sorry.” Lily came and sat on the couch with her. “We can get carried away sometimes. How are you, really?”
Angel didn’t know Lily all that well. She’d only met her twice, both times when Nikoli dragged her to the bar. Sweet girl who had Nikoli wrapped tightly around her finger. No small feat in itself.
“I’m good, I promise.”
“Did Nikoli tell you that I was kidnapped myself?”
“What? No, he didn’t.”
“They thought it was the serial killer, but it turned out to be a stalker I didn’t even know I had. I was terrified, trapped in a trunk, no phone, no way to get out. Then when the car wrecked, all I remember is the pain and the realization I’d never see Nikoli again. I wasn’t fine after it. I told everybody I was, including the manwhore over there, but it wasn’t true. I was scared all the time, and the nightmares…” She shook her head and closed her eyes for a minute. “I still have nightmares.”
“I’m so sorry.” Wow. She’d never known that. Angel remembered Nikoli coming in and saying something about an accident, but he hadn’t said a word about an abduction.
Lily smiled warmly at her, and Angel understood why Nikoli said everyone loved this girl. He’d came into her bar one night ranting that he couldn’t even get close to the girl without everyone blowing up his phone warning him off her. The kindness in Lily’s eyes said more about her as a person than most people’s actions did. She was a sweetheart. How Nikoli managed to land her was beyond Angel. The boy was a manwhore in the truest sense of the word, or at least he’d been before Lily.
“The reason I’m telling you this is because I understand some of what you’re going through, and if you need to talk, I’m here. Or I can recommend a good therapist for you. She’s excellent. Helped me a lot.”
“You mean the quack who adores me?” Nikoli came back into the main room and plopped down between the two of them.
“She’s not a quack,” Lily admonished. “She just thinks you have severe commitment issues.”
“I do not.”
Lily gave him an are-you-kidding-me look. “Nikoli, how many poor girls did you chew up and spit out since you came to BU?”
His expression turned wary. “That is something we’ve agreed to disagree on, Lily Bells.”
“You are the manwhore of Boston University.” Angel grinned when his expression soured.
“I am not a whore. I am a connoisseur of women.”
Lily and Angel both burst out laughing at his haughty reply. He looked so pious.
“Besides, I’m committed to you, aren’t I?” he challenged.
She leaned her head against his. “Yes, you are, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have issues. Especially after what happened between you and Kade.”
Happened between him and Kade? Angel’s ears perked up. What was she talking about?
“That was a long time ago, Lily Bells, and Kade I got past it.” The steel in Nikoli’s tone shut down any questions either girl would have asked. “Angel, you have groceries in the fridge for at least a week. Is there anything else you think you need?”
“You didn’t have to do that, Nik. I could have gone after work and picked them up.”
“I know, but why put yourself more at risk than you have to? This guy is serious business, Angel. It’s not good to take chances. I’m surprised Kade’s even letting you go to work.”
“Your brother, as arrogant and bossy as he is, can’t stop me from working. I have bills to pay.”
“You think he’s bossy and arrogant?” Nikoli’s eyes zeroed in on her.
“Annoying bastard too,” she said darkly.
“Ohh, now, what is this? Do I detect more than hostility, perhaps?” Nikoli’s voice turned sly. “Perhaps a little attraction?”
“Your brother is the last person I would ever want anything to do with.”
“Did he do something to you?” Nikoli’s expression darkened. “If he did, I’ll beat him.”
The phone rang before she could reply, and Lily bounced up to answer it. She frowned, but then said something into the phone before hanging it up. “Are you expecting a package, Angel?”
“No.”
“Someone from the front desk is on their way up with a package for you. It was dropped off a few minutes ago.”
“Who knows you’re here?” Nikoli stood, his eyes growing more and more alert.
“No one except Kade and the detective from last night. Not even my boss knows I’m here.”
They waited silently until a knock sounded at the door. Nikoli opened it and took the package, thanking whoever delivered it. It was a simple brown box, like any mailing box you’d buy at Walmart or the post office. It was addressed to Angel with the apartment number emblazed on a printed off label.
Nikoli set it down on the kitchen island, inspecting it. His bent his head, listening.
“What are you doing?” Lily joined him at the counter.
“Listening for ticking.”
“Good Lord, it’s not a bomb, Nikoli.”
“It might be,” he grouched.
“You’ve been watching too much Castle.”
“Kate’s hot.”
“Castle’s hotter.” Lily gave him this innocent smile that belied the devilment in her eyes, and Angel found herself laughing despite the seriousness of the situation. The two of them were too cute. If she wasn’t as fond of Nikoli as she was, she could almost hate them for being so happy when her own broken past was currently mocking her every time Kade so much as entered her line of vision.
“Let’s just open the damn box.” Angel walked over to the knife block and pulled one of them so she could open the box. She picked it up and turned it upside down to open it. She didn’t want to slice through the address label. She was a big Criminal Minds nut herself, and at times like these, she was glad she’d picked up on a few things. Like not damaging address labels.
As she flipped the box back over, a small white cloth fell out with a handwritten note. Her hands started to shake even before the strands of red hair tumbled from the pristine fabric. She recognized the writing on the note. It was the same as from the night before.
“What the fuck?” Nikoli reached for it, but Angel stopped him.
“Don’t touch it. Call your brother.”
“What…”
“It’s him.” Her voice started to shake as badly as her hands were. He found her.
She couldn’t take her eyes off the note.
Soon, my Angel.