The Cruel Boss Won't Let Me Go

The day dragged on for Nikolai while he took care of the problems at the construction site. By the end of the day he was mentally exhausted. Originally, when Alexi and Nikolai bought the company Nikolai was CEO in name only, but because of the investigation of the city officials he was forced to take the role seriously. 

 He rubbed his temples then reached into a drawer for some medicine to relieve his headache. This is some boring shit!

He looked at his watch and furrowed his eyebrows, now I need to deal with Nina. I need to make it clear once and for all I am done picking up the pieces of her life every time she has a meltdown.

 Nikolai stood up and stretched then grabbed his suit overcoat. When he walked out of his office he told Sammy there shouldn't be any more problems but to keep a watchful eye. 

 Merri's classes ended and she walked to the parking lot. On the way she ducked behind a tree to avoid Blair Pennington and her followers. I am not in the mood to deal with that petty girl!

 Once she was in her car she turned the key and the car didn't start. Merri helplessly tried a few more times and still nothing. She leaned back in the seat and took out her phone. I will call Claire to pick me up and deal with this tomorrow. "I need you to pick me up. I'm so mad! I just paid $500 I couldn't afford for them to fix my stupid car and it won't start. I'm stuck at school."

 A husky male voice with a hint of a Russian accent responded, "I will be right there."

 Recognizing the voice, Merri's eyes widened and her face turned bright red. Looking at the number she called, her hand shook. Flustered, she immediately hung up and tossed the phone onto the passenger seat like a hot potato .AHHH! 

 Nikolai stared at his phone then called Merri back, "Why did you hang up?"

 Merri's eyes were flickering, so embarrassing..ahh.. should I answer? She hesitated then reached over and picked up the phone, her voice trembling, "I...I'm sorry. Haha.. I meant to call my friend."

 He had a faint smile listening to her embarrassed tone and decided to tease Merri. "I'm your friend aren't I?"

 "Well..yes..of course... but I was calling Claire."

 "I know a little about cars. It would be better if I came to pick you up."

 "I can't bother you."

 In a domineering voice that Merri couldn't refuse, he replied, "Where are you parked?"

 "Umm..Parking lot D at the end of the third row."

 Nikolai chuckled and hurried to his car. The little angel sounded so cute. 

 Merri's face was hot and her heart was thumping wildly in her chest. She banged her hands on the steering wheel, how could I call the handsome guy instead of Claire! He must think I am so stupid!

 She tried to calm herself and leaned back in the seat to wait. It didn't take long for her to drift off to sleep. 

 When he arrived he took a few long strides over to the car and saw Merri sound asleep. He shook his head because the window was rolled halfway down and the car was unlocked.

 Nikolai opened the door and carried Merri to his car. Once he put her in the passenger seat he reached for the seat belt. His heart was a little unstable as he inhaled her intoxicating fragrance of jasmine and leaned across her chest. He could feel the girl's warm breath and his Adam's apple rolled as her silky hair brushed across his cheek.

His eyes darkened and filled with desire while staring at her beautiful face captivated by her innocent and pure beauty. He ran his finger across her tempting lips then quickly retracted his hand.

Nikolai was shocked at his lack of self control and had to take a moment to regain his sanity, I almost couldn't restrain myself and kissed the girl. 

 As he was driving Merri woke up and turned her head, "Mr. Rushkin?"

 "Awake?"

 She sat up straight and the tips of her ears were red, "Sorry to bother you."

 "I was leaving the office anyway. I called a tow truck and they are taking your car to a garage. I know the owner so they should do a good job." 

 Merri clutched the side of her coat and bit her lower lip, "You must think I am a real nuisance."

 He laughed at her adorable appearance and Merri was surprised, it was the first time she heard him laugh. 

 Noticing her face flushed red he smiled, "I don't. I am happy to help. I told you that I don't have many friends in the city."

 When they arrived at the apartment complex, he walked her to the entrance. This time she didn't care if anyone saw them. Merri fluttered her eyelashes and shyly said, "Do you want to come up for a cup of coffee?"

 "Another time." He handed her a piece of paper. "Here is the number to the garage."

 "Thank you." She stared at his strong hands and a strange feeling rose in her heart. I feel so safe when I am with him, as though he could block the wind and rain for me. 

 Gazing at her sparkling and pure eyes Nikolai felt the burning desire in his heart was almost uncontrollable. He wanted to pull her into his embrace and tell her how much he liked her..that he would be her protector. The little angel should always lean on me...only me.

 Merri didn't notice the possessiveness and obsession reflected in his pitch black eyes because his head was lowered.

When he looked up, there were no longer waves of desire in his eyes., "I will take you to the University in the morning. I don't think your car will be ready that quickly."

 She waved her small hands, "I can take the bus."

 He ignored her refusal, "What time is your first class?"

 "9:30"

 "I will pick you up at 9:00."

 As though she was under a spell she obediently nodded, "Okay."

 He had a satisfied smile as he waited for her to ascend the stairs then called the garage. "Louie, when the girl calls, tell her you need to wait for a part."

 "The car is fine. It was a loose connection."

 Nikolai had an ugly expression and his voice was tinged with a threat."Do I need to fucking repeat myself?"

 A layer of cold sweat formed on the fat man's forehead. His beady eyes reddened as he stammered, "No...no...I got it."

 "Good." Nikolai had a satisfied smile as he walked to his car. I will slowly have the little angel depend on me. 

 When Merri entered her apartment she leaned on the door and hugged herself. Oh my God! He is so strong and handsome!

 She was thinking about Nikolai when her phone rang. She took it out of her purse. Karl Wu?

 Karl was leaving the hospital after visiting his grandmother, "Merri, do you want to go to dinner tonight? I want to talk to you about my grandmother."

 "How is Grandma Wu?"

 "Improving."

 "Dinner sounds good. What time?"

 "I have to finish a report, would nine o'clock work?"

 "Sure. Where do you want me to meet?"

 "I can pick you up. Give me your address."

 "Okay."

 After she hung up she went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. She grabbed a package of chicken and some vegetables.

 Sitting at his desk in the Anti Corruption Team's office, Karl Wu had a complicated expression on his handsome face while holding a photograph in his hand. He tossed it back in an open folder and ran his hand through his hair. How does Merri Winslow know Nikolai Rushkin? 

Nikolai was thinking about Merri as he walked through the lobby of the luxurious apartment building. I will make sure her car isn't ready for a couple weeks then I can see her every day.

 His good mood was ruined when the irritating woman who lived on the same floor rushed up to him. He had a disdainful look on his face, I need to kick her out of the building and occupy the entire floor.

She was dragging a young woman by the hand. "Mr. Rushkin...this is my niece Blair."

 He continued to walk towards the elevator ignoring her and Blair pulled out her hand.

In a low voice she complained, "Auntie, what are you doing? He obviously isn't interested in you." She really didn't lie, he is outstanding. His face is flawless and his body exudes masculine charm. 

 Her aunt pinched her wrist, "Shh."

 The two women got into the elevator alongside Nikolai and the irritating woman persisted in badgering him, "I saw you had a Steinway delivered and my niece is a talented pianist. She will definitely win the upcoming Piano Competition next month. If you would like she could give you lessons."

 Nikolai raised an eyebrow and looked at Blair. Her niece is in the same competition as the little angel? 

 Blair thought he was interested in her and coquettishly smiled, "If you want I would be willing."

 "No need."

 The elevator opened on their floor and the three of them walked out. Blair fluttered her eyelashes, "Could I see your piano? I can tell you if it is tuned properly."

 "It is."

 He turned and walked to his door after his curt reply.

 The two women had the same dejected look as they watched Nikolai enter his apartment.

 Thinking about his indifferent attitude and cold rejection Blair's face turned crimson red. She angrily puffed out her cheeks and stomped her heels while marching down the hallway in a huff, "Could that man spare more than two words!"

Kendra Pennington was upset. "I really don't know how to get his attention. It is infuriating but I can't give up. At first I thought he might be gay but I saw him at a restaurant with a woman and he was holding her hand across the table."

 "Well maybe he has a girlfriend then."

 They walked to the apartment at the end of the long hallway and she pressed the keypad. Shrugging her shoulders she thought about it then shook her head, "No. I don't think so, I have never seen him bring a woman to his apartment."

 Nikolai entered the guest room and laid on the bed. He picked up the pillow and could smell Merri's unique fragrance. He hugged the pillow and closed his eyes. I wonder if the spoiled girl in the elevator is in the same competition as the little angel?