Tempest - Kris Michaels Page 0,96

as it wasn't a wild, hanging from the chandelier, event.

Luke had put the brakes on anything amorous the first night, and she had to admit, she was worn out. Sleeping in a comfortable bed without people coming in and out of the room all night long was what the doctor had ordered. She felt good, except for her sore muscles, and soreness was to be expected. Over the counter meds controlled the dull achy throb which still lingered.

She lathered her hair with shampoo which didn't smell like antiseptic and tipped her head back to rinse the suds. She was going to have sex with her man tonight, come hell or high water. Last night a telephone call sent him into the other room, and she'd fallen asleep waiting for him. Not tonight. Luke had errands to run this afternoon, and she'd taken a nap. She'd be able to stay up all night if necessary.

As she towel-dried and combed out her hair, she inspected the array of bruises on her face. Dang, how she really wished she had her own makeup. The concierge had been accommodating and recommended a drug store nearby that would deliver. The concealer was too oily and a shade lighter than she needed, but she'd be able to cover up the majority of the bruising. She dabbed her concealer on the tender blotching. Her hair dried curly, of course. She slipped into her new clothes, compliments of someone at Guardian, and used the blow dryer and diffuser attachment to finish drying her hair. She added lip balm to her lips and stepped back to assess her reflection. Her blonde hair hung past her shoulders in soft curls. The makeup was noticeably heavier than the natural look she normally went for, but she didn't look horrible. The soft silk tee and black yoga pants fit perfectly and molded to her figure. She laughed when she turned sideways. She'd finally lost the ten pounds she'd been trying to lose. "I guess all it took was a psychotic mother and hospital food."

"Pilar?" Luke's voice in the front room sent her scurrying to the door.

"Here." She stepped into view and watched as his eyes danced up and down her body.

"Daa-yum." Luke swallowed hard and rubbed the back of his neck. "Ah, we've got company."

She peeked past him at the door. "Who?"

"That's a surprise." He walked to her and enfolded her into his arms. "You should have been resting."

"I did. I took a long nap and a longer shower. I wanted to be awake when you came to bed tonight."

His eyes softened. "You needed your sleep."

"I did. I don't tonight." She elevated onto her toes, and he lowered to meet her lips. A soft knock on the door drew a low groan from him. She leaned to the side and looked at the door. "Can you send whoever that is away?"

"Right now, I really wish I could. Just... hold those thoughts. We'll get back to them." He took her hand, and they walked to the door. "Pilar, I want you to meet someone."

He opened the door and her mouth gaped open. She couldn't believe her eyes. "Oh, my God. You look like me."

"We look like our mother." The woman standing in front of her spoke in a Russian accent. "I'm Tatyana, your sister."

"My sister?" She gripped Luke's hand so tight her nails dug into his skin.

"Yes." Tears formed in the woman's eyes. Her sister’s eyes.

"Would you like to come in?" Luke asked and tugged her hand a bit.

She startled and motioned into the spacious suite. "Please, I'm sorry, I was... am... shocked." She stood back as the woman and a tall man came in. "Come in." She led them into the living area and sat down on the couch facing her sister. "Please, tell me everything. Until a few days ago, I thought my mother was Regina Grantham." She put her hand to her mouth. "Our parents?"

"They are gone, it is only us."

"How?"

"Many years ago, in Russia. When they lost you... it was very hard on them."

"Where were you?"

"At school. You were what my mother called a late life gift. The village we lived in was raided and ten girls were taken. You were among them. I searched for you."

Pilar reached out and took Tatyana's hand. "What is my real name?"

"Karina Annika Petrov."

"I'm Russian? Wow, isn't that a rush!"

Tatyana laughed. "Yes and no. You are American, very American, your talk, your speech, your education. Our parents were born and raised in Russia,