My Russian Hero by Jacee Macguire Page B

strides, his body tense, reacting to the mood of the room. He grasped the box in his hand, his eyes going wide as he looked directly into a human eye. His eyes flicked to the lid of the box, saw who the gristly package was addressed to. “Dani?” He turned to look at the girls. “What’s going on? Someone talk to me. Now!” He demanded, his voice laced with concern.
    Dani met his dark, brooding eyes, a tear slipping down her cheek. Her legs turned to jello and her body crumbled to the floor in a heap. She sobbed, gasping for air. Sergei was by her side instantly, kneeling down and scooping her tense little body into his strong arms. He lifted her up and carried her to the couch. “Tell me, Milaya moya. What is going on? I am worried. Someone is after you?” He put his arm around her and pulled her close. “Let me help you.” he urged her softly. Her body was tense against his, fear rolling off her in waves. Sergei glanced away, his eyes darkening as anger swept through his body. Whoever was responsible for this would pay.
    Dani cleared her throat, snuggling closer to him. It felt so nice to be wrapped in the safety of his arms, the strong musky smell of his cologne calming her. She sighed, worried that whatever might have happened between them was now shot to shit. Nobody would want to get involved in this twisted mess.
    “Five years ago, I was attacked outside a bar. I couldn’t identify the man but he terrorized me for weeks after that. Finally, after things got really bad, I was given a new identity. Everything was fine – normal – for the last four years… but he’s found me again.” She bit her lip until the metallic taste of blood invaded her senses. She eased her hand to her mouth, slowly wiping away the blood seeping from her lip.
    “Hmmm. I see. I am sorry this is happening to you, Milaya moya,” Sergei said, his voice gentle at first but quickly taking a firm, commanding tone. “You will both pack your things... now. He knows you are here so this place is no longer safe. You will stay with me.” He looked from Dani to Zoe, making sure they understood he wasn’t asking.
    Dani nodded. She had felt ill after opening that damn box but that disquiet had been replaced by comfort shortly after Sergei had arrived, when she realized he wouldn’t run away from this. His presence alone made her worries wash away, his strong take-charge attitude making her feel safe. She knew he would do anything for her. She eased herself from his arms, immediately missing his warmth and comfort, and made her way to the bathroom to collect her things. Zoe was already zipping their bags when she entered the bedroom, her arms full of cosmetics and hair products.
    “I’m so sorry, Zoe,” she said, barely meeting her friend’s gaze. “I know that’s not enough considering... everything, but I mean it.”
    “This isn’t your fault,” Zoe said, her brows drawn together in irritation, left hand on her hip. “It’s that bastard stalker.” He’s to blame. At least we have Sergei to help keep us safe.”
    “I know,” Dani said, rushing across the room and hugging her friend tight. She didn’t deserve a friend like Zoe.
    The girls grabbed their luggage and headed for the living room. Dani’s eyes darted around the room until she saw Sergei standing before a window, talking on his phone. He spoke in a thick Russian accent, his words melting the room’s tension with each velvety word. She couldn’t tell what he was saying, but his tone was angry and it was easy to tell he meant business. He ended the call, placing the phone in his pocket. “Are you ready to go, ladies?”
    “Yes,” they said in unison, eager to get the hell away from the hotel.
    Sergei closed the little box of horror, squeezing it so tight the edges of the box buckled under the pressure.
    “Why do we need that?” Dani squeaked, her lips drawing into a thin line.
    “It wouldn’t be good for the staff to find it in your room,” Sergie said.