Page 38 of Drop Pass

“What else is going on?”

“Yula, one of the twins, had to go to the hospital and my sister saw the bill. I already paid it but she’s worried now. She worries about everything even though I told her I handled it. I promised them I would take care of them, and I am.” I shook my head. “They don’t trust me.”

Her gentle gaze found mine and I couldn’t look away. “I think they trust you. They probably don’t like putting added stress on you.”

“They’re my family. It’s my responsibility to take care of them.”

She nodded. “It’s still hard to accept help sometimes. I’m sure they’re grateful they just don’t want to be a burden.”

Mama had said that more than once despite how often I assured her they weren’t. My family could never be a burden. Not after all they sacrificed for me to get to where I am today.

“So, you’re worried about them, you’re waiting to get residency, and you’re getting the award tomorrow?”

I was surprised she’d heard about that, but the Pride wasn’t known for keeping things to themselves.

“It sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now.”

I nodded.

She took another step toward me until there were only centimeters between us. She looked up at me and smiled. “I’m sorry I didn’t ask for your help.”

She reached up and ran a finger through my hair, pushing it away from my face. I watched as her eyes searched my face before finally meeting mine again.

“Elena,” I whispered her name in warning. This shouldn’t happen. She knew how much I had going on. I wasn’t in a good place to bring anyone else into my life.

I should leave.

She shouldn’t be looking at me like that. Like I had anything to offer her.

I leaned forward and her eyes widened for a split second before she leaned into me. Her eyes closed and I prayed for the strength to walk away.

I was weak.

I lifted a hand and placed it on the back of her neck, pulling her closer. I traced her jaw with my other hand, her lips, her cheeks. She was too perfect. Too perfect for the mess I was.

I dipped my head and pressed my lips against hers. Soft, plush, begging for me to give more. I was too far gone to listen to the alarm bells going off in my head.

I ran my hand down her back, pulling her even closer. She gasped and I’d never heard a better sound. I kissed her deeper, already addicted.

The elevator dinged and I pushed her away. I looked down the hall but no one stepped off the elevator. It was just passing our floor. I turned back to her to see hurt in her eyes.

I hadn’t meant to push her away like I was embarrassed. I just didn’t want to get caught making out in the hall. For either of our sakes.

“Elena.”

She took a step back, frowning then dropped her gaze to the floor. “What do you want from me, Nikolay?”

I swallowed. Everything. I wanted it all. I deserved nothing. “I can’t have a relationship right now.”

“So, I should just be around for when you’re bored?” She looked up with red eyes.

I shook my head. “No, you deserve better.”

She let out a bitter laugh. “Don’t play games with me.”

“I’m not--”

“You came to me. You told me your story. You kissed me. You want me to trust you? I can’t.” She shot me a glare before turning and disappearing behind her door.