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He followed me up the stairs to my third floor apart forit was and how I always lost my keys at the bottom Just nervous chatter In the time before I found them, Mrs Kropotkin opened her door a crack and peered out at us Drake turned to her and smiled

"Zdrastvooyte"

She closed her door

"Did you study Russian in college?" I asked, my voice a bit quivery

"My father had a cassette tape with Russian lessons on it and I used to listen as a kid" He cleared his throat because his own voice was husky "I don’t really speak Russian well Just enough to order in a restaurant or make a few toasts"

I had to take in a few deep breaths to get control over myself Finally, I wrestled the lock open and stepped inside, turning and blocking the doorway before he could enter

"You'll keep your promise to just talk? No sex?"

He held his hands up, palnal surrender "Kate, it's up to you You'll be the one to decide what happens Whatever you want"

"We're not having sex Tell me you understand"

"I understand"

I stood in the doorway for a , ht to end I wanted him to come in and touch me I was just afraid

"Cohed

He stepped across the threshold, turning around, staring at my apartment

"Kate why do you live like this? This aparthter of a wealthy judge running for election"

"I don't want his h even with the scholarship to live anywhere else"