Chapter 38

Alexi is opening a fridge and depositing two bottles of wine from his bag on the counter and some beers in the door. He holds out the white box with a smile, bringing my full attention back to him with how at ease he seems in here, and I take it carefully with a hint of suspicion.

“What’s this?” I eye him up and then look down at it. A lightweight cardboard box that is no bigger than a muffin case.

“Your Chocolates and Flowers.” He adds with a wink and goes back to flicking switches on the wall connected to a thermostat panel. Not elaborating more than that. I assume he’s putting the heating on to kill the chill in the air.

The place doesn’t feel unused, but it’s chilly, considering the season, and warmth will complete its perfection. I’m also sure he must have had a cleaner recently, as there is not a speck of dirt, and the whole place smells fresh with a washcloth hanging on the tap over the sink. It looks damp and is hung neatly to dry out. Everything is gleamin