Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 120955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 403(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 605(@200wpm)___ 484(@250wpm)___ 403(@300wpm)
“Open it,” I urge.
She tears away the wrapping paper and lifts the lid of the box. “Oh, Katie,” she exclaims, pulling out the cashmere sweater. “This is gorgeous. And blue, my favorite color.”
“I’m glad you like it. It’s from a boutique in St. Petersburg.”
She hugs first me and then Alex. “I love it.”
I hand her the second gift. “This one is from Alex.”
She leaves the sweater on the desk to tear the gift paper off the box. When she lifts the lid and unties the strings of the velvet bag, she gasps. “My goodness. This is gorgeous. Look at the detail.”
“It’s a Fabergé replica,” Alex says. “Unfortunately, it’s not the real thing.”
“I love it.” She lifts the delicate egg from the box and studies it in the light. “Are those…?”
“The gemstones are real,” Alex says. “It’s a collector’s piece, part of a limited edition. The valuation certificate is in the box.”
“Oh, my.” She gapes at him. “I can’t accept this.”
“Now you sound like Katherine,” he says with humor. “Of course you can. I insist.”
“This is beautiful.” She puts it back in the velvet bag before carefully returning it to the box. “Thank you, Alex.”
“It’s given with much pleasure,” he says warmly.
“I can’t thank you enough.” My mom’s eyes glitter with tears. “Not only for the gifts, but also for taking such good care of my daughter.”
Alex doesn’t move a muscle. His reply is smooth, practiced. “She takes good care of me too.”
Some of my excitement evaporates. The lies we’re feeding my mom are a damper on my short-lived giddiness. I feel despicable, like a traitor, but how can I destroy her illusion if she’s doing so well and looking so much better? How can I tell her the truth if it will crush her? No, it’s better that she believes the lies, no matter how awful telling them makes me feel.
Patting my cheek, she says, “I should let you catch some rest. Good night, kids. Thanks again for spoiling me.”
“You’re welcome, Mom,” I say, my throat clogging up with darker emotions.
She turns at the door. “The best gift is still having you here.”
Not trusting my voice to speak, I blow her a kiss before she shuts the door.
Shit. I’m a horrible person, deceiving my own mother like that. This isn’t how she raised me. Living with Alex is forcing me to become someone else, and I’m not sure I like that someone.
Turning toward the window, I hide my expression from Alex, who thankfully busies himself with taking off his jacket. I don’t want him to see what will be written openly on my face—that right now, I despise both of us.
I take in the moonlit scene. It’s stopped snowing. The landscape is a clean white of fresh powder glittering under the lampposts of the garden. Pristine. Not murky and full of dirty lies. There are no other buildings nearby, but I nevertheless close the curtains. With everything that’s going on, I’m becoming paranoid.
I jump when Alex touches my shoulder.
“Hey,” he says, twirling me to face him. “Why so on edge suddenly?”
“Is it safe to sleep here?” I can’t hide the strain in my voice. “I don’t want to bring the danger straight to my mom.”
“Everything is taken care of,” he says in a placating tone, rubbing my arms. “The men are on watch, and we have satellite surveillance.”
“What about the lunch at Dr. Hendrick’s house?” I ask, not reassured.
“I’ve already sent Dimitri to check things out. I won’t take any risks, Katyusha.”
“Okay.” I bite my lip. “I’m happy to be here, more than you can ever know. I just—”
“Leave the worrying to me.” He squeezes my biceps. “The only thing I want you to do is enjoy the time with your mom.”
“You’re right.” My smile is halfhearted. “I should make the most of it.” Although it’s easier said than done.
He studies my face. “You looked happy tonight. Carefree.”
“I was.” I consider how much to tell him. I don’t want him to think I’m ungrateful. “It was fun. It made me forget.”
Regret flashes in his eyes, but it’s gone in a blink. Pulling me closer, he says, “I know how to make you forget.”
His mouth is on mine before I can reply. He spears his fingers through my hair, strokes his tongue over mine, and, as promised, takes me to a place where danger doesn’t exist.
26
Alex
The vibration of my phone on the nightstand wakes me. I’m a light sleeper. It’s part of my conditioning to always be alert. Reaching out for the phone, I check the screen. Nelsky. It’s barely five o’clock here but noon in Russia.
I untangle myself carefully from Katerina. Her features are illuminated by the faint blue light from the electronic thermometer on the fridge. She looks peaceful in her sleep. Vulnerable. Sparing her beautiful face one last glance, I get up quietly and go to the bathroom, where I close the door before flicking on the light. It’s safe to talk in here. Dimitri swept the rooms for cameras and listening devices while we had dinner last night.