Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79112 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79112 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 396(@200wpm)___ 316(@250wpm)___ 264(@300wpm)
His firm manner says the subject is closed for discussion. I open my mouth to thank him when a large man with a shaved head enters the kitchen and swiftly approaches Alex. Ignoring Marusya and me, he whispers something in Alex’s ear, causing Alex to stiffen.
Just like that, the cold, dangerous stranger I met at the hospital is back.
He turns to me. “Katyusha, will you excuse me for a moment? I need to make a phone call. Marusya will show you the rest of the house.”
“It’s okay,” I say, not wanting to be a nuisance when he’s obviously distracted by something. “I can go home.”
His expression softening slightly, he brushes his knuckles over my cheek. “Please stay. I’ll be done in fifteen minutes.”
His touch sends warm sensations all the way to my core. “Sure,” I whisper. “I’ll stay if you want me to.”
“I do,” he says with finality, leaning down to plant a kiss on my lips. “I’ll see you soon.”
With a last, strained smile in my direction, he exits with the bald man, leaving me in the kitchen with Marusya.
We stare at each other, at a loss for words. Without Alex acting as an intermediary, I feel a little uncomfortable. From the uncertain look she gives me, so does she.
“If you don’t mind,” I say, “I’d appreciate the opportunity to have a quick shower.”
She nods enthusiastically, her shoulders slumping in obvious relief. “You need things?”
“I’m good, thanks.” I don’t want to put her out and keep her from her work more than I’m already doing by having her prepare my lunch.
“You call,” she says, pointing a thumb at her chest.
“Thanks.” I backtrack to the door with an awkward wave and dart through the frame.
* * *
Without Alex, I feel like an imposter as I rush back upstairs and enter the private domain of his bedroom. Sure, he invited me to stay, but I’m certain he didn’t intend for me to wander around alone in his house.
I enter the bathroom and shut the door for privacy. The walls, floor, vanities, corner tub, and shower stall are made of the same gray marble. I turn on the tap in the shower and strip while the water runs warm. Using his shampoo and soap, I make quick work of washing myself. I help myself to a clean towel from a rack and leave it in the hamper before putting my clothes back on. Without a brush, the best I can do for my hair is run my fingers through it, but that’s fine. The long strands will settle into natural waves when they dry.
When I’m done, I feel almost like my old self. The warm water has relieved the soreness in my muscles, but it’ll take more time for the discomfort inside to fade. The thought of the cause of that ache makes my stomach heat.
Giving myself a last look in the mirror, I venture back into the bedroom. The bed has been made with clean linen. Marusya must’ve done it while I was in the shower. The window is open a crack, letting in the fresh, crisp air.
Alex should be done with his call by now. I exit onto the landing to make my way back to the kitchen, but voices coming from the room next door stop me. One of those voices belongs to Alex. He’s in a heated conversation with another man. He sounds upset, enough so to make my stomach tie in an answering knot.
Indecisive, I hover next to the door. Should I make him aware of my presence? I don’t want to disturb him when he’s involved in a serious discussion. Besides, the conversation is private. Even if they’re speaking in Russian, it’s not meant for my ears.
I’m about to shoot past the frame when the mention of my name makes me pause. My ears must be playing tricks on me, but no, there it is again. Katherine Morrell. My full legal name on Alex’s lips catches me off guard. Why are they discussing me?
The relaxing effect of the shower vanishes. I want to both demand an explanation and run. What I don’t want is for Alex to think I’m eavesdropping, but it’s too late, because when I finally get my feet to move toward the stairs again, Alex’s voice stops me in my tracks.
“Katyusha.”
The way he says my name now is in stark contrast to what I’ve just heard. The endearment is spoken tenderly—no, cautiously. Reluctantly, I turn. He stands in the frame, worry lines marring his forehead.
“I…” I swallow to moisten my dry throat. “I had a shower. I hope you don’t mind.”
He advances toward me, his frown deepening. “Why would I mind?”
The bald man exits behind Alex. He casts a glance in my direction before heading past us down the stairs. Through the open door, I notice a desk and bookshelves. It looks like a study.