Merri had no idea that Nikolai was fighting his inner demons while he took a cold shower. She stretched her hand to the low back of the dress and still couldn't reach the zipper. Her long hair was also in the way.
Frustrated after several attempts when Nikolai walked out of the bathroom she had no other choice but to ask him for help. "Do you mind zipping up my dress? I can't reach it."
He gulped down his saliva as she lifted up her hair. As he stood behind her he inhaled her unique fragrance that seemed to engulf him. Feeling intoxicated he gently brushed her bare skin with his fingers as he zipped the dress. Merri quivered from his touch and giggled, "Your fingers are so cold."
"Sorry." He regretted not warming his hands before touching Merri.
Merri turned and smiled, "Thanks."
Because she turned around quickly her face was right next to him and he gazed down into her sparkling amber eyes as she lifted her head. She wasn't wearing shoes and only came up to his shoulders. Simple gold earrings hung down her swan like neck. I really want to take a bite of her tiny ear and kiss her neck and...
Realizing he was too tempted, he stepped back. When he did Merri felt a loss, he had a woodsy scent on his body that smelled really good.
She sat on the bed and slipped on a pair of crystal clear high heels. "I hope I can walk in these. Miss Sun chose these heels and they are much thinner and higher than I normally wear."
He stared at her feet, "If you aren't comfortable we can stop and get a different pair."
Merri laughed, "That is really sweet of you, I will just be careful."
He walked over to the closet and took out a different shirt. He didn't want Merri to see his tattoos so he put it on while standing in the spacious closet. When he returned Merri was putting a few items into a small delicate evening bag."
He glanced at his watch, "Are you ready?"
Merri stood up and took two steps then stumbled, falling into his chest. Her cheeks were tinged with red as she quickly left his embrace. "Ahh..I am so clumsy!"
He chuckled, "Are you sure you don't want to get a different pair of shoes?"
"No. Miss Sun picked these out and I don't want her to get upset."
"Well, you can hold my arm if you feel uncomfortable."
He picked up Merri's coat and put it on her wishing she could wear it all night. She looked too enchanting in the dress she was wearing. He cursed LingLing knowing she picked this dress and sexy shoes so the little angel would catch Luc Zaranski's attention. He was getting angry just thinking about the fact LingLing was using his innocent and pure little angel as bait.
After they ate dinner Merri followed Nikolai out of the restaurant to the car. The driver who was casually leaning on the hood talking on the phone quickly ended the call.
He opened the back door and Merri smiled at him. Nikolai saw the man's eyes lingering on her beautiful face and gave him a threatening gaze. The man quickly averted his eyes and sneered, Nikolai seems to like the little beauty...too bad she will be ruined later tonight by that perverted bastard. She might not even live to see the sunrise.
According to the instructions given to the driver by LingLing he was responsible for making sure Nikolai didn't interfere with her plans.
As they drove to the art gallery Merri secretly peeked at Nikolai.While they ate dinner she thought he seemed aloof and distracted. Does he regret bringing me along to the art gallery?
Nikolai of course noticed her eyes on him but didn't know what to say. He was consumed by overwhelming guilt that he allowed the little angel to get caught up in LingLing's plan. If she wasn't poisoned I would kill the venomous bitch.
During dinner he was mesmerized by her innocent and pure beauty. The cute way she happily ate, commenting on each dish and urging him to try them. Her beautiful amber eyes were lit up with golden highlights as she put whatever she thought was delicious on his plate. Merri talked about how excited she was to be in Russia and how surprised she was when he invited her to go on the business trip with him.
Deep in thought he clenched the fist in his pocket, I can't let anything happen to the little angel!
Unaware of Nikolai's inner torment, Merri's self confidence was waning because he seemed distant and unapproachable since they went to the restaurant. Her trepidation and feeling of inadequacy worsened when they arrived at the art gallery.
She nervously gazed out the window at the elegantly dressed people entering and her heart fluttered. It has been years since she attended an elite social event and didn't want to disappoint Nikolai. I don't even speak Russian!
Suddenly, Merri anxiously blurted out, "I think you should go by yourself. I will go back to the hotel."
He turned to look at Merri, her delicate face was shockingly pale and she was quivering. The little girl's appearance was pitiful and weak, a drastic difference from the lively girl at dinner. Her long black eyelashes were gently trembling and she was biting her bottom lip. It seemed as though she was about to cry at any moment.
He worriedly asked, "Are you feeling unwell?"
"I..I don't think I am suited to accompany you. I don't speak Russian...I am not worthy to be your date."
Nikolai held her trembling hand thinking it is me who is not worthy of you. " You are incredibly beautiful and I am very happy you came with me. It doesn't matter that you don't speak Russian, everyone speaks English."
He knows if she doesn't accompany him LingLing will find another way to use her as bait. This plan I can at least watch to make sure she is safe.
She twisted her fingers together,"But during dinner..you..well.... looked annoyed."
He didn't know how to explain his complicated emotions, "I'm sorry I was thinking about my business meeting tomorrow. The negotiations are not going as well as I had hoped."
"Oh."
"Don't worry, stay by my side. You will be fine."
Merri looked at his warm hand holding hers and blushed, "So you weren't regretting bringing me?"
Gently squeezing her small hand his voice was firm, "Of course not." Every minute I can spend with you is precious to me.
Tilting her head and lifting her delicate face, she stared into his dark eyes to see if there was any fluctuation. When she didn't see any deceit, the knot in her heart loosened, "Okay, I will just stay by you."
"Good."
Nikolai got out of the car and held out his hand, Merri held onto his warm palm and smiled as she exited. As they walked towards the entrance of the art gallery he reassured her in a low voice, "As long as you are with me there is nothing to worry about."
Inside the art gallery, LingLing had been impatiently waiting for them to arrive. While greeting the guests her eyes were riveted on the door. As soon as they entered the art gallery she rushed over to them.
LingLing possessed a unique exotic beauty, aggressive and sexy. Although she was in her early forties, her seemingly poreless skin was flawless, her lips were red and full. She was wearing a red silk Cheongsam and 10cm black heels that accentuated her long slender legs. Her shoulder length hair was stylishly swept to the side held by a long jade hairpin. On her ears, diamond and ruby earrings dangled down her long swan-like neck. Merri gasped, "Miss Sun, you look so beautiful."
LingLing brushed some loose strands of Merri's hair behind her ear, "Thank you, Sweetie."
She turned to Nikolai and pouted, "What am I going to do? The pianist is a no show. I tried to call but his phone is turned off."
Merri didn't know whether she should volunteer; she pulled on Nikolai's sleeve and he lowered his head. It was impossible to see the raging storm brewing inside of his eyes.
She whispered, "LingLing took me shopping and was really nice to me, should I tell her I play the piano?"
He hesitatated amd LingLing shot him a threatening look.
Then tiurning to Merri her eyes lit up and she excitedly said, "You..you play the piano?"
Merri's face turned red, how did she hear me? I want to know what Mr. Rushkin thinks first..
Feeling the pressure from LingLing, Merri shyly answered, "I do. I could play the piano if it is okay with Mr. Rushkin."
Nikolai really wanted to applaud LingLing's acting ability. Knowing he had no choice but to agree, he begrudgingly responded, "It is up to you."
"I don't mind." Merri had confidence in her talent and would rather play the piano than mingle with strangers. This might be for the best!
Ling Ling pulled her along through the crowded gallery to a beautiful grand piano. "Thank you so much! It is so pitifully dull without music. Feel free to play whatever you want. When the man I hired was rehearsing yesterday he left several sheets of music, you can choose from or play whatever you want."
Merri apprehensively looked at Nikolai standing next to LingLing, he doesn't look happy. Thinking maybe she agreed too readily, she said, "LingLing, could I have a moment with Mr. Rushkin?"
LingLing nodded and with a satisfied smile walked over to talk to a gray haired man admiring an abstract painting. From the corner of her eye she witnessed Nikolai's gentle expression as he listened to Merri and rolled her eyes. Little fool...how could that cold and ruthless man fall in love with such an incredibly naive gir? He just better not do anything to ruin my plan...
Merri had a dazzling smile as she gazed up at him, "I hope you don't mind. I think this is for the best. I really don't feel comfortable being surrounded by these types of people. I know very little about Modern Art...I am happy to help out Miss Sun."
He desperately wanted to hug Merri into his embrace and carry her away. He controlled the urge because he knew it would only be a temporary solution. If I want to have the little angel I need Sydney's help.
Before he could answer Merri, a gorgeous woman walked over to Nikolai and was smiling. Speaking in Russian she said, "LingLing said you would be here, I didn't believe her."