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"I don't know," I said, stalling for time "Maybe the Ade"

I heard hi o to a dominant man who kno to release their inhibitions…"

Oh, crap Why did that sound so – so erotic – when he said it? I couldn’t help but conjure i someone sexually…

Me, for example

"I should never have even considered it"

"It's topical It's controversial"

"My father would kill "

There was another pause and I heard hih heavily "Listen," he said, his voice conspiratorial "We could stand here all night and talk through the door but I' here in my coat Besides, it would be far hbor across the hall wouldn't keep peeking through the crack in her door and try to find out e're talking about"

"That's Mrs Kropotkin I think her son's with the Russian Mafia"

I watch through the peephole as he waved to Mrs Kropotkin

"Zdrastvooyte," he said in what sounded like perfect Russian

Mrs Kropotkin closed her door, but not completely

He turned right and then left, scoping the hallway out, his hands on his hips, his coat and suit jacket open, tie loosened Even through the fisheye, he looked handsome

"Why do you live in a place like this?" he said "You come from a wealthy family"

"I don't want my father's money"