Chapter 17 OWNERSHIP

Chapter 17 OWNERSHIP
                      NIKOLAI
I checked the cameras as soon as I got to her room and didn’t find her, but she was nowhere in
Blind spots.
I know it’s a far stretch, but might she have known where the blind spots were? She must have figured that there was no way in hell she would make it out of the compound, so she might have done the next best thing, which is, study the environment.
Could she really be that smart? Or am I giving her more credit than she deserves?
The door opens, and there she is – still in her dress from earlier, but I notice that the dry blood that was on the side of her head is gone now. There is even a Band-Aid there to cover the wound.
My eyes narrow to the first aid kit I brought with me, and I straighten up.
“Where were you?” I ask simply.
The door shuts behind her. “I needed to get my wound cleaned,” she responds.
“Where did you go?”
“To Fin.”
Her response catches me by surprise, and I have to hold myself back from overreacting.
“I needed some supplies to take care of the wounds,” she adds, and I relax – but not completely.
Just something about the way she talked about going to Fin. I didn’t like it, but it’s Fin, so of course, he would help her out. He has always been gentle and annoyingly chivalrous. And that’s okay, but not with her.
“I’m guessing you won’t need the supplies I got you then. Fin’s got you.”
Why the hell do I sound like some jealous, insecure douchebag?
She looks away, and I notice how guarded she looks. She’s barely said anything since she came in. That shifts my attention from my anger to her. I was probably too harsh on her earlier, even though I knew she did the right thing – but I was trying to pass a message. She is not above the rules around here.
“Thank you for the supplies,” she says before I get the chance to speak. “I’ll probably need them to clean up tomorrow.”
I want to push further, and maybe apologize – but I hold my tongue and just nod instead. I take a few steps towards her, wanting to touch her and
“Suit yourself,” I say and storm out. I am unsure if the root cause of my anger is the fact that she doesn’t seem to need my help, or if it’s because I know she already got it from somewhere else.
I meet Delilah walking towards me in the hallway.
“Nikolai, I think –“
“Where’s Fin?” I ask immediately, not caring what she was about to say.
“Uhm – I saw him a moment ago, I think he should be in the kitchen.”
I walk past her, advancing towards the kitchen, and I hear her behind me.
“Is something wrong?”
“Back off, D,” I say simply, and she falls behind immediately. I love how she knows how to take a hint.
Fin is indeed in the kitchen cutting some vegetables, and all I can think about as I watch him is how those hands would have touched her.
My chest tightens, and I swallow down the urge to attack. It’s just Fin, nothing to worry about.
“Fin,” I say calmly, sliding into the bench at the counter. We’re the only ones in the kitchen, so it is a perfect time and place.
I’m not sure what I want to ask, but I feel the burning need to ask questions.
He turns around to face me. “
 “Boss.”
“Where were you earlier?” I ask. I don’t know why I expected him to lie – to deny being with her so I can have something to hold against him. But of course, he tells me the truth, as always.
“I was with Mia. She had a few cuts that needed attention, so I thought I’d help,” he smiles.
I nod, feeling stupid for even asking. What am I even doing? Fin’s loyalty has been proven in blood more than once.
“Is there a problem?” he asks, concern lacing his tone.
“I don’t know Fin. Is there?” I snap, and that doesn’t help the already shitty way I feel on the inside.
“What is this really about?” he asks, sliding into the seat across from me.
I lower my voice, “She’s under my roof,” I say, “Which means she answers to me. You don’t take it upon yourself to step into that space without reason.”
Fin studies me for a moment and then nods. “There was a reason.”
I don’t argue that. I can’t.
“Next time, you inform me first.”
Fin tilts his head. “You think I’d cross you?”
The question is calm, almost amused.
I don’t think Fin would ever cross me, but I can’t admit that I’m jealous either.
“This isn’t about mistrust, it’s about order,” I say firmly.
Fin gives a short nod. “Understood.”
I get up and turn to leave, then stop.
“She doesn’t need more people confusing her position here,” I say without looking back. “Especially not you.”
Fin’s voice comes out quiet but firm. “I was just making sure she didn’t bleed out.”
I pause at the door.
“Make sure,’ I say, “Next time, I’m the one doing it.”
I walk out before he can respond.
Because if I stay any longer, I might say something that sounds too much like ownership.
And that would be a problem.