which is also a problem. I was expecting a phone call from a Russian contact. The silence is telling.”
“Can you trust him?”
I could see his expression darkening. “I’m not entirely certain at this point. If I don’t learn any additional information today, there’s going to be a change in plans.”
“Meaning?”
He slowly turned in my direction. “Meaning I’m going to find a safer place for you.”
“Which means you’re going to be the one doing the hunting.” I sensed he wasn’t telling me something.
“Exactly. I can’t risk your life. I won’t do that. You should have a bag ready with a few items you want to take. If something goes down, it will happen quickly. You’ll have minutes to be ready. Do you understand?”
“You are scaring me, Nikolai, even more than those men chasing us did.”
“If you haven’t figured out by now, you should be terrified. You’re not going to fight me on taking you somewhere safe. If you have a location in mind, I suggest you let me know. However, if there’s any possibility the Bratva can find out where you’re staying, that can’t be your choice.”
“I don’t have anyone in my life, Nikolai. Haven’t you figured that out by now?”
“You really aren’t in contact with your parents?”
“No. My parents tossed me out because I tried to help my brother, the black sheep of the family. The moment I took his side over theirs, I was dead to them. Yeah, there are extenuating circumstances as to why they’d do something so drastic, but their actions forced me to realize that I couldn’t count on anyone but myself. And I’ve never placed my trust in anyone, so that makes the fact I actually trust you a big damn deal.”
My God, the man didn’t seem to have any reaction at all. I backed away, completely confused as to why he’d acted as if he gave a damn the night before. Tears burned my eyes as I tried to keep them from falling. Weakness. They would show him how weak I was. I turned around, walking quickly toward the safety of the trees.
“Wait.”
The single word wasn’t his usual command. It was softer, kinder. As close to pleading as I’d likely hear from him. “What? If you want to make fun of me, then go right ahead. I do it to myself all the time. I know I seem helpless and pathetic to you, but I’m not.”
“I would never make fun of you. You’re one of the strongest women I’ve ever met. There is nothing fragile about you. Just sad. I trust very few people as well; however, I know of someone who will do me a favor. You won’t have to worry.”
“Does that mean I’ll never see you again?” His hesitation was my answer, but he confirmed it.
“Probably not, but I will send word when it’s safe to return to your life.”
“Where will you go?”
“Russia.”
Russia. My God. He was returning to his life. I shouldn’t be shocked. He’d mentioned in class that once indoctrinated in the Bratva, then it was impossible to leave.
Wonderful. I’d found a man I could care about and fate refused to allow us a chance. Well, that’s the way it was. A chance? I must be lost in some romance novel. This wasn’t fantasy and it certainly wasn’t a fairytale, no matter how electric our connections.
Stop behaving like a child.
I headed back to the cabin and this time he didn’t stop me. When I headed inside, I immediately walked to the front door, locking it. Then I backed into the room, holding my arms and taking a deep breath, blinking until the tears finally stopped forming.
Suck it up, girl.
The advice was good.
I took a few seconds, finally studying the room. There were some well-crafted old bookshelves, still holding several books. While there weren’t any photographs, the art on the walls was surprisingly beautiful, various landscapes reminding me of the area.
When he didn’t return after a few minutes, I moved into the kitchen. The bags I’d peered into were by the door, ready to be grabbed at a moment’s notice.
Ignore them.
More good advice, but I wasn’t certain I was going to be able to follow it. I couldn’t imagine life on the run, although maybe that’s a little bit of what my world had been since leaving North Carolina. I should have fought back instead of running.
However, I was starving and by the looks of the kitchen, Nikolai hadn’t made anything to eat. I should just let him fend for himself,