Read Online Submit (The Underground Book 4) by Becca Jameson - Free Book Online Page A

her, partly because it was so high-handed, but mostly because her pulse raced every time he did it.
    Nikolav filled the coffee pot with water and then turned to fill the reservoir. “You’d rather go to a safe house than stay here?”
    “Never said that. But I’d rather speak for myself.”
    He turned around and leaned against the counter as the coffee brewed, crossing his arms over his chest. He smirked. “Did I say a word you didn’t agree with?”
    “That’s not the point.”
    “Isn’t it?”
    Oh, he was infuriating. “I don’t want to argue with you right now. I have to get my notes down before I forget something.” And I need to get out of your space so I can think clearly .
    She sincerely hoped he would give her some time to work without breathing down her neck, or she would never be able to concentrate. No woman would ever be able to think clearly with him in the room. He filled it with his enormous sexy body, his domineering methods, and his sensual mannerisms.
    Just the way he moved made her take notice. Even leaning casually against the counter, he was drool worthy. His muscles bulged in his arms. His dark hair was messy in a sexy sort of way that made her want to run her fingers through it, not to straighten it, but to feel the texture.
    She yanked her gaze from him to pretend to study the rest of the great room, concentrating on the décor. The space was done in black, white, and gray. The cabinets in the kitchen area were white, sleek, modern. The counter was black. The tile floor and carpet were both a swirl of grays.
    In the awkward silence, she returned her gaze to Nikolav to find him staring at her intently. “I’m sorry. I’ll try to remember to let you speak for yourself in the future. I tend to be…bossy. And I’m used to getting my way.”
    She was taken aback. “Thank you. And this isn’t about you getting your way. It’s about our collective safety. I’m not stupid. I don’t usually make bad choices.”
    He nodded. “I’m sure you don’t, but I don’t want you going to a safe house.”
    She stared at him intently. “Why?”
    “It would make me nervous if I didn’t know where you were, and I can’t control your safety if you leave here.”
    Goose bumps rose on her skin. He was protective. She got that. But she barely knew him. Right? “We just met yesterday.”
    He frowned for a moment and then slowly smiled and shrugged. “You grew on me fast. I don’t like the idea of you being in danger.”
    Was he trying to lighten the mood? Perhaps. Either way, she appreciated his apology and his interest in her well-being.
    The coffee pot made a hissing noise to indicate it was done, and Nikolav turned around to grab a mug and pour her a cup. “Cream? Sugar?”
    “Both if you have them. Light, though. Just enough to mask the harsh taste.”
    He grabbed a small covered bowl from near the coffee pot and put about half a spoonful of sugar in the mug. And then he turned toward the fridge and found the half-and-half. He held it up. “This okay? Alena uses it.”
    “Perfect.”
    He added a small stream to her mug and returned it to the fridge. With the spoon in the cup, he picked it up and nodded toward the hallway. “I’ll show you where you can work.”
    She followed him, specifically noticing he still held her coffee. When they entered the first door on the right across from the bathroom, she paused in the doorway. The room was spacious, and she watched as Nikolav continued toward the desk across from the door under the window. The blinds were closed.
    He set the coffee down and grabbed several papers off the desk to move them out of the way. “Will this be okay?” He flipped open a laptop and turned to face her.
    “Perfect. I don’t want to put you out, though. It’s late.”
    “Stop worrying about putting people out. It’s going to be cramped in this apartment for a while. We’ll survive. There are three bedrooms. Alena is across the hall at the end. Ivan is in the next