Page 16 of Nikolai Petrov

She flips her hand through the air. “Don’t worry, I think you’ll get it pretty quick. You seem to learn fast.” With a pat on my shoulder she steps back into the swinging doors and disappears.

Giddy with pride, I dig my phone out of my purse as I push out into the humid summer evening.

Nikolai: I’m sorry I won’t be there to pick you up right away. Meet me at the bookstore on 3rd at 6:30. Call me when you get off.

He picks up on the first ring and I’m so glad. I think I may burst with anticipation.

“Natalia, my dear. How was your day today?” Nikolai’s soothing voice is like a balm on my nerves.

“Excellent! Celeste is promoting me again!” My voice cracks in excitement.

“I knew you had it in you. What will she have you doing?” He sounds genuinely happy for me.

“I’ll be moving to server, so waiting tables. I’m nervous about it. It means more talking to people.” I turn onto the side street heading towards my apartment. It makes it easier with less traffic noise to hear him.

“You’ll do wonderfully. I’m proud of you.” The deep rumble of his approval makes my knees weaken enough I almost stumble. “And, a beautiful girl like you will get lots of good tips.”

“I had someone say I should model today. He even took my picture.” The memory brings a little bit of a sour feeling into my stomach. Those guys didn’t look like photographers.

“What?” Nikolai’s tone sharpens. “Tell me about him.”

Does he sound…jealous?

“It was two guys, one blonde with a silver tooth. The other was taller and dark, but he didn’t really talk to me.” Turning the last corner before the bookstore, I can see the lights from the windows illuminating the path.

“Natalia, I want you to tell me—”

“Natalia.” A deep voice behind me calls my real name. Not my false one. A flutter of fear races through me as I turn around.

The tall dark man from the restaurant steps from the lengthening shadows.

“Why are you following me?” My words crack as I yell them.

Nikolai’s tinny cries echo from my phone. “Tell me what is happening!” I can hear the static of movement coming through the line.

“I think you know why I’m here.” The tall man steps closer as I back away.

Turning, I begin to run toward the steps of the building. A rough pair of hands grab me when I pass the corner.

“You’re coming with me.” The shorter blonde man holds me firmly.

Fear paralyzes me as he jerks my hands behind my back.

I hear my phone clatter to the ground as something black is draped over my head.

Chapter Seven

Nikolai

“Fuck!”Inearlythrowmy phone against the wall as I hear the sounds of her struggle fade into the distance.

I’ve hated every second of not having her by my side where I can keep her safe. The hours she is gone every day is agony. But, my selfish infatuation should not keep such a young and beautiful woman trapped within my walls when all she wants is to learn a sliver of independence.

Now, my doubts have manifested. And I blame only myself.

If only I had been there tonight.

“Ivanov,” I bark into my phone. “Cancel my meeting.” I’m certainly not sharing any details with him.

---