Chapter 53

"Okay," she whispered.

Nic realized he had been holding his breath. He quietly breathed out. He followed her out of the laundry room and back upstairs to her apartment. She wiggled the key in the lock, trying to open the door, but it wouldn't unlock. Nic leaned around her and grasped her soft hands, pulling the key from her. He pushed it harder into the lock and turned. She was completely still in front of him, while his body was pressed against her back.

When they entered the apartment, Nic looked around. Everything was very neat but very small. The kitchen/living area was pretty much just one room. The hallway was short and narrow, and he assumed it led to two bedrooms and a bathroom. He turned to look at Veronica as she glanced around the room.

"It's not much, but I like it," she quietly admitted.

"Could I have a glass of water?" Nic asked. Suddenly his mouth was dry at the thought of what he was about to do.

After Nic drained the glass he walke