I adjusted the volume of my music before jogging down the sidewalk and across the parking lot. Out in the cold morning, I stretched my arms overheard and yawned a few times. My MP3 player fit neatly into the pouch on my ear warmers. Thumbing through the playlists on my iPod, I picked a mix of alternative and electronica and slipped my ear buds into place. I snatched up my keys and cell phone and tucked them into my pocket. When she returned from her winter vacation with Yuri, I'd make sure she got it. I'd found bits and pieces of Lena's stuff since she'd packed up and left. My gaze lingered on the box sitting on the kitchen table. With my hair pulled into a high ponytail and ear warmers snugly in place, I pocketed my MP3 player and headed for the kitchen. I made sure to wear layers because of the late December chill and chose a thin rain jacket with reflective tape on the sleeves and back. Though the streets were dry now, the Houston weather could change without waning. I switched off my alarm, slipped out of bed and went through my morning routine.Ī quick peek out the window helped me choose my running gear. It was a bit early to start my morning run but I couldn't sit here in this quiet, empty apartment with my troubled thoughts. After living together for so long, it was going to take some time for me to get used to being alone again.Ĭertain I wouldn't be able to sleep, I glanced at the clock. Even though she'd been officially out of the apartment for a week, I still hadn't adjusted to her absence. My gaze jumped to the doorway and I half expected Lena to come running into my room to check on me.

I rubbed the spots on my chest and belly that ached with the phantom pains of bullets ripping through my flesh. Nearly eleven years had passed since that awful April night but the memories were still so real, still so raw. It was the same dream that had plagued me since the night I'd been shot. Still confused from the nightmare, I frantically searched the bedroom until my gaze landed on the nightlight near the door. I wiped a shaking hand down my face and shoved up into a sitting position. Blinking rapidly, I tried to clear my fuzzy, panicked thoughts. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to and purchase your own copy. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any manner whatsoever without written permission from the author. NIKOLAI (Her Russian Protector, Book Four)Īll rights reserved.

Nikolai by roxie rivera