It was around 5 PM when Aleks made his way back to his apartment. Enough time to get dressed and reach Demidov Hotel in time for his meeting with his newfound ally. He had to look the part - dress the part too. He was meeting with a beautiful woman, there was no point in neglecting that fact - but he was still a heir to the most powerful position in Russia. He [i]had[/i] to look the part. And if he made Lilith think he dressed up for her in the process, that was only an advantage. 

Steam made sure Aleks could not see his reflection in the mirror of the bathroom wall. Not clearly, at least. Ironically, the warped and blurred face he saw in that unknown realm was more truthful than his actual expression ever was. Although he kept a straight face, the mirror warped it into a frown. He could not keep starring at it longer than a few moments, eventually wiping the mirror with his hand. 

A lot of different thoughts kept flashing in and out of his mind. What should be his next step? How to interact with Lilith? Who to pin as her next target? But - most important question was the one he did not even have a shed of clue how to answer. When he brings the whole organization to its knees, when he is the one standing tall - the only one standing tall - what path will he take from there? 

Sound of water dripping made its way to his ears. He closed his eyes, taking in the sound. He could hear his heart producing a steady beat. The dripping soon faded away and all he could hear was the drumming of his heart. A heart that longed for revenge. 

****

6:32, two minutes after the two agreed to meet. He was late, yes, but not due to his fault. There was a traffic jam, rendering his solution of taking a taxi an useless effort. He ended up walking to the hotel. Immediately upon opening the door to the lobby, he was greeted by the curious gaze of the receptionist - an older woman, quite possibly both the receptionist and the owner of the hotel. This was clearly not a five star hotel, but it would serve it's cause. Even better if it were not a high class one, for the time being at least. His [url=http://i01.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v1/526364785_3/New-Mens-Stylish-Slim-Fit-Sexy-One-Button-Suit-Top-3-Parts-Suits-124P200.jpg]classy outfit[/url] most certainly befitted a heir, although he could've easily been a model. [i]Maybe in some other life...[/i] Aleks though as he quickly scanned the area. There was not much to see, if Aleks was to be honest, but that did mean that he had to spend less time searching for Lilith. He noticed her in a blink of an eye. She was so distinct, like a flower amongst root, in this environment. He would not be able to miss her even if he wanted. 

Slowly approaching the table, Aleks gently cleared his throat to get Lilith's attention. "I am genuinely sorry for being late, my lily." He smiled as he slightly bowed before proceeding to the empty chair across of her. The dress flattered her figure well and he most certainly did not mind that. "You look," Aleks began as he unbuttoned his suit jacket and took it off, revealing the black vest underneath, "Quite happy with yourself; considering." He sat down as he gazed into her golden eyes.

Although he was not able to see it from a third person perspective, he figured it was a fierce battle of gazes - his blue shards against her two golden coins.