"But beautiful," Katya adds softly. "Very quiet. Very peaceful. Like the world stops."
I take another sip of cocoa, trying to imagine being trapped here for a week. Alone with Nikolai, with nothing but snow and silence and whatever tension keeps building between us every time we're in the same room.
Katya begins preparing more dishes, and I sit and watch the easy banter between her and Andrei. And for just a moment, sitting in this warm kitchen with these kind people, I can almost pretend everything is normal.
"More cocoa?" Katya asks, noticing my empty mug.
"Please."
She refills it, adding an extra sprinkle of chocolate on top with a conspirator's wink. "Who cares about calories at Christmas."
Andrei checks his watch. "I should get going soon. I need to meet someone in town."
"How far away is town?" I ask.
"About twenty minutes down the mountain when the roads are good." He grabs his coat from a hook by the door, then turns to me with that easy smile. "Nice meeting you, Holly. Hope you enjoy your stay."
Stay.As if I'm here on vacation.
But his smile is so genuine, so warm, that I can't help but return it. "You too, Andrei."
After he leaves, the kitchen feels quieter. Katya continues her work, and I sit at the counter, sipping cocoa and watching the snow begin to fall outside the windows.
"Katya?"
"Yes?"
"What doesmalyshkamean?"
She glances at me, something knowing in her eyes. "Little one.It’s a term of endearment.”
“Andsolnyshko?”
“Little sun.Another term of endearment. Why?"
"Oh, I was just wondering."
She doesn’t press. But I see the small smile touch her lips.
Little one.
Little sun.
Sweet names from the lips of a monster.
I drain the last of my cocoa and set the mug on the counter.
Outside, the snow falls faster, while in his den, Nikolai Morozov is working. Making calls. Conducting business.
And being thekingof his dangerous empire.
While I sit here and wait to see what fate has in store for me.
10
NIKOLAI
The fire crackles and spits in the hearth, sending shadows dancing across the walls of my den.
