I step aside to let him through . If he taps his foot any harder , Im afraid there might be victims . Come on in . Matvey rolls the cart forward . Somehow , he manages to do even that in an intimidating way . Im suddenly feeling sorry for his secretaries . What , uh … ? I babble , racking my brain for a conversation topic . Anything to dispel this awkward silence , really . What brings you by ? I cringe . I sound like the corny neighbor on an 80s sitcom that didnt get renewed for a second season . Do I need a reason to come to my own penthouse ? Matvey ponders without looking up from the trays hes setting on the table . I want to smack myself . At the same time , I want to smack him . Who even has that kind of attitude ? Im debating whether to give him a piece of my mind when- Evening , boss , Grisha calls from the doorway . I trust everythings up to standard ? Aaand theyre speaking in code again . Everythings fine . Matvey says , which tells me absolutely nothing . Id try reading his expression , but Id have more luck with the Easter Island statues . You can go , Grisha . Ill take it from here . Grisha gives a small bow . Ill be on standby downstairs . Flowers , he adds courteously , taking his leave from me as well . I feel my hands twitch as the door closes behind his back . Dont go ! I want to whine like a goddamn toddler . Dont leave me alone with the scary hot man ! Despite myself , I was starting to feel at ease around Grisha . At the very least , he was someone I could read . Calm , approachable , always with a joke on his lips . But Matvey ? He remains a mystery wrapped in Tom Ford . Should I bring you a chair over there ? Matvey asks sarcastically . I shake myself back to reality . In my stupor , I completely forgot about the covered trays he just carted in . He uncovers one now , and the smell is …. 24.0 % Well , the smell is heavenly . My belly gives a loud rumble . I pray he didnt hear it , but as soon as I look up , I can see the ghost of a smirk playing on his irritatingly handsome face . Oh , whatever , Im pregnant . I get to be twice as hungry as everyone else . I slide into the seat in front of him . Thank you , I murmur , staring at the feast in front of me . Here , Matvey says in a clipped tone , handing me a single sheet menu . I instructed the chef to avoid anything unsafe for pregnancy , as well as mustard and celery . But you should check just in case . 1 accept the menu with unsteady hands , my mind reeling . It must have taken a lot of work to do something like this . Above all else , thats what strikes me first : a tremendous amount of care . My second thought is that I never told him about my allergies . Deep breaths , April . So the scary mobsters got his hands on your medical records . So what ? He isnt using them to kill you . Thank you . I say uncertainly , still not sure if Im about to suffer death by Dijon . Then we eat . According to the menu , the dish that made me dizzy with its heavenly scent is something called tomato consommé with smoked ricotta tortelli . The taste is delicate and delicious , unlike anything Ive ever eaten . Is this what it feels like to be rich ? Is the food to your liking ? Matvey asks in his deep , rumbling voice . Is rain wet and the Earth round ? Its amazing . I answer sincerely . My go to dinner is usually boxed . mac and cheese , so this is definitely new . Matvey looks at me with pity. You … cook , then ? Store bought , I clarify . He cringes . For some reason , thats ridiculously funny to me : Matvey Groza , scandalized by the eating habits of the common folk . Without realizing it , I let out a laugh . I know , I know . Not exactly worthy of a Michelin star , am 17 Matvey shrugs . Everyones got their talents . Youre a decent tailor , at least . Just decent ? 21:00 My Monement . The Death of His nÀ 24.3 % Chapter 24 Your professionalism leaves something to be desired . I Hey ! The nerve of this guy ! Its not like Im used to customers wanting to tie me up , I mumble , feeling the urge to sink into the floor . I find that very hard to believe . Forget the floor . Id like to sink into the core of the Earth , pretty please .. The second course because this meal has actual courses , apparently , as opposed to me just refilling my bowl with some more cheesy Kraft goodness is duck confit . I eye the side of crispy potatoes and cauliflower gratin , and my mouth starts watering . I say , trying to at least pretend this fancy food hasnt hypnotized me completely , whats your talent , then ? Matvey takes a sip of his wine . Im almost jealous that must go spectacularly with the meat . Im a man of many talents , April . First of all , vomit . Secondly , thats cheating . Answer the question . The corner of his lip twitches . Wait , am I making the ice man laugh ? Someone give me a Nobel Prize . Should I just pick one , then ? Yes . And being good at mafia whatever doesnt count . Bratva , Matvey corrects . And if that doesnt count , then … My Aftement The Beat Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!