Merri Goes To Nikolai's Apartment

Blair called the waiter over to pay the bill, "Well we can discuss tomorrow. Aunt Kendra called, I need to go." 

 Kendra sat at the desk in her study then stood up and walked to her bedroom to change. She sighed, I have to have Nikolai Rushkin! I don't care what it takes! 

 Nikolai looked at his watch, the little angel is late. He nervously paced around his apartment then took long strides to the window, the snowstorm is getting worse maybe she will cancel. I should have picked the little angel up at her apartment but I was afraid that would seem too forward.

Staring out the window he had a twinge of regret that he didn't make that call.

 He lit a cigarette and stood motionless worriedly gazing at the heavy snowfall. Jarring him out of his daze his phone rang with the special ringtone for 'Little Angel'.

His turbulent heart was in a knot as he answered expecting Merri to say she wasn't coming. "Hello."

 Merri was standing outside the building, her face was red from the cold and her hand was trembling, "Mr. Rushkin, it's Merri Winslow. I am outside your building and well...the Doorman won't let me enter."

 Nikolai's pupils constricted and his eyes were pitch black. He tried to control his temper so as not to scare the little girl. He calmly said, "Give the phone to him."

 His voice was low and threatening, " Apologize to Miss Winslow. Don't ever stop her from entering the building if you want to keep your job."

 The Doorman broke out into a cold sweat and his hand was shaky as he handed Merri back the phone. Loud enough for Nikolai to hear that he sincerely apologized. "I am very sorry. It was my mistake. It will never happen again."

 Merri's teeth were chattering, "Mr. Rushkin, are you still there? I am coming in now."

 "Good."

 She put the phone in her purse and smiled at the Doorman. "It's okay, I know you were only doing your job."

 He opened the door, "It will never happen again." Mr. Rushkin's voice was terrifying. I could feel his anger through the phone. It was really his fault for not informing me that he was expecting someone. She looks like a University student!

 Merri entered the beautiful lobby and glanced around for the elevator. A pleasant voice sounded next to her, "Looking for the elevator? It is around the corner to the left."

 She turned towards the elegantly dressed man, "Thanks! This is the first time I have been here."

 He gazed at her flawless face and petite body. She was wearing a cute red beret and several strands of her blonde hair were stuck to her rosy cheeks. A little petite...but I like her fresh appearance.

He handed her a card, "Have you done any modeling?"

 Merri wrinkled her eyebrows as she looked at the business card in her hand. Radiance? They are the largest modeling agency in the city.

She smiled as she stretched her slender hand to return the card, "No."

 He pushed the red and silver card back to her, "You don't need experience, we have a training program."

 She shook her head, "I..I am really not interested."

 "Keep the card in case you change your mind." His phone rang and he walked away leaving Merri stunned.

 Anticipating seeing her crush she trotted to the elevator and pressed the button on the wall. She stared at the card for a moment then shoved it into her coat pocket.

Merri's heart was racing as she entered the elevator. She pushed the button for the 30th floor, as the door was closing a man's hand stopped it, he slipped in then stood next to her.

 He leaned in front of her and pressed the button for the 24th floor. "You should think about modeling. The pay is excellent and of course if you become popular you become a celebrity."

He noticed she was going to the 30th floor. There are only two apartments on that floor. "Are you a friend of Kendra's?"

He impulsively followed her into the elevator because he wanted to persuade her to join his agency and didn't get her name. There was a campaign for a fresh new perfume by Chanel and she would be perfect. 

 "Who?"

 "Kendra Pennington." 

 Merri tried to remain expressionless, "Not familiar." Blair's horrible aunt...she lives by Mr. Rushkin? I must avoid her at all costs!

 The door opened on the 24th floor, he asked, "What is your name?"

Merri was absentminded and responded without thinking, "Meredith Winslow."

 As he exited he said, "Think about it."

 After he left Merri thought, why did I blurt out my name?!? Well, whatever...

 When the elevator reached Nikolai's floor the door opened and Merri's eyes widened in surprise. Unexpectedly, he was standing in front of the elevator.

 He saw her startled expression and sheepishly smiled, "Let me take your bag."

 They silently walked down the hallway and he opened the door to his apartment. When Merri walked into the living room Nikolai set the bag on a black leather couch.

She took off her scarf and he helped her with the coat. She thought the apartment was a little cold. Definitely a man's aesthetic, decorated in black and gray, the only hint of color was a few orange toss pillows on the couch.

 Gazing around the room her eyes landed on the Grand Piano and she gasped, A..A Steinway? The piano must have cost over a hundred thousand dollars! It is concert quality!

 He noticed her amber eyes sparkling as she gazed at the piano and had a satisfied smile."Miss Winslow, I made coffee. You must be cold after waiting outside."

 "Mr. Rushkin, the piano...your piano is beautiful."

 "Since I am your student, please call me Nikolai."

 "Well... only if you will call me Merri."

 Nikolai's heart skipped a beat, "Okay." 

 "Coffee?"

 "I don't want to bother you."

 "No bother, I would like one also." He walked across the living room to the spacious kitchen and Merri followed.

 "Can I help?"

 "Just have a seat." 

 Merri sat at the granite topped island and watched her handsome crush, trying not to drool while eyeing his long legs and broad chest. She wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming unable to believe she was really sitting in this gorgeous and outstanding man's kitchen.

She had stars in her amber eyes, he is even more handsome in the tight jeans and black sweater he is wearing. He doesn't have his thick black hair slicked back and the way the strands of hair are loosely hanging on his forehead gives him a sexy unruly look

 Nikolai looked in the cupboard and frowned; he only had a very strong blend of coffee beans. Why didn't I have the kid bring a milder roast a delicate girl would like!

 He furrowed his eyebrows and turned to Merri, "Would you rather have tea? I only have a strong blend of coffee."

 "I like strong coffee..but..do you have sugar?"

 "I do."

 "Perfect."

 She put her elbows on the counter and her face rested on her palms continuing to gaze at him. He looks so sexy....less intimidating...and younger. I wonder how old he is?

 Nikolai ground the coffee beans then put them in a filter. His eyes were lowered and he had a serious expression as he poured the hot water.

Staring at his profile, Merri was mesmerized and couldn't move her gaze away from him. I have never seen such a godly handsome man. She thought about him staying with her in the hospital and her heart fluttered. Not only handsome but gentle...she sighed, a lethal combination. I bet he has women buzzing around him all the time. 

 He could feel Merri's eyes on him and was a little nervous. He suddenly looked up and when she met his eyes Merri quickly averted her gaze and blushed. Control yourself!

 Viktor thought she was uncomfortable sitting on the wooden stool. "Do you want to sit in the living room?" He grabbed two coffee mugs from the cupboard as he waited for her reply.

 "Here is fine. Oh..the coffee has such a rich aroma. Smells great."

 He set down the steaming hot cups of coffees then sat down next to Merri.

 Merri put a spoonful of sugar in her coffee and stirred. After she took a sip her lips curled up into a sweet smile, "Yum...the coffee is delicious. Thank you."

 Smelling her intoxicating fragrance, his hand trembled slightly as he picked up the coffee mug in front of him. Nikolai was a quiet person to begin with and sitting next to her he was unable to think of anything to say. Every time he looked at Merri's small and delicate face he had an urge to kiss her heart shaped pink lips. 

 Merri could feel the atmosphere was a little awkward so she asked, "Do you cook? Your kitchen is amazing. "

 "When I have time." He bought groceries in case she was hungry. "Do you want something to eat? I can make dinner."

 She giggled, he is so cute! "No. We should start the lessons soon; the bus only runs until ten o'clock." 

A crease forms between his eyebrows,"You took the bus?"

When Merri told him she took the bus he was upset...very upset. His hand tightened into a fist on his lap cursing himself for not picking her up at her apartment. It is freezing cold, the little angel probably had to wait at a bus stop.

Merri was unaware of his turbulent emotions and continued."Yeah. I have a car but I don't like to drive in bad weather." She wrapped her hands around the coffee cup enjoying the warmth. "My car is kind of old and I think I might need a new battery."

"Don't worry, I will drive you home after we finish." He furrowed his eyebrows, she needs a new car...how can I arrange that?

"I can't ask you to do that. The roads might be icy."

"I have an SUV, it won't be a problem."

When they finished drinking the coffee he picked up the two mugs. Merri followed him to the sink, "I can wash the mugs."

"I have a maid who comes and cleans. Let's begin the lesson." He was looking forward to listening to Merri play the piano. He remembered the first time he saw her at the Black Swan Club while he waited for Alexi by the bar.

The music was enthralling and her serious expression didn't seem to fit in the with the dangerous atmosphere in the club. She didn't pay attention to the men who were devouring her with their eyes, she was absorbed in the music.

Merri followed him into the living room, "Tonight I will familiarize you with the keys. Show you the musical alphabet. The finger number system. I hope you don't think it is boring but that is the best way for beginners to learn."

He gazed at her lively and cheerful expression and felt he was in a beautiful dream. The little angel's smile is dazzling and her eyes are pure and clear. He tried to calm his heart that was pounding. I can't let the little angel know how much I like her...she would be scared.

Merri took out a book and a pen and had a mischievous smile, "I need to trace your hands and then mark on your fingers is that okay."

"..."

Merri sat on the couch and patted the cushion next to her, "Sit."

He obediently sat down and Merri said "Give me your hand."

Nikolai felt an electric current run through him as she grasped his hand and placed it on the book. His dark eyes remained riveted on the warm soft hand holding his as she traced his hand.

In the midst of enjoying the moment the doorbell rang and he grimaced. Who the hell could that be? He planned to ignore the ringing but Merri stopped, "Aren't you going to answer the door?"

He reluctantly walked to the door and looked at the monitor. His face blackened when he saw the annoying woman from the elevator earlier. He returned to the couch and with an expressionless face, he said, "Solicitor."

Merri had a quizzical expression, how could a salesman enter this building with that fierce Doorman. She decided it was none of her business so she smiled, "Other hand."

After she traced his hands she grabbed the pen. "I need to number your fingers. It makes it easier to learn the different keys. "She held his hand and wrote the number one on his thumb. As she wrote the numbers she explained what she would be teaching him tonight.

He was entranced listening to her soft voice as she patiently explained the basic steps for a beginner. When she finished they walked over and sat on the piano bench. Merri's leg was pressed on his and Viktor slightly moved his leg. He was afraid he wouldn't be able to control his body's reaction.

Merri held his hand and placed his fingers on the keys and tilted her head towards him, "I will demonstrate."

With his head lowered he could see her delicate snow white clavicle that was exposed and he was reminded of bathing her. He gulped down his saliva and focused on what she was saying.

After practicing for a half hour Merri said, "Do you want to take a break? It is a little boring at first but after a few lessons it is more fun."

"Up to you. Are you hungry?" He heard her stomach rumbling a few moments ago. "I didn't have time for dinner so I was thinking of making some food."

Merri wrinkled her forehead and sounded concerned, "You didn't eat?"

"My meeting ran late and I didn't have time." I don't think she would agree if I didn't lie about eating.

She looked at her watch, "If we end the lesson now I can make the bus. We can continue next time."

His voice was firm and didn't leave any room for argument, "I said I would take you home. Stay for dinner then I will drive you."