Chapter 37 Anya
My heart stopped as Katya opened the closet door.
But Nikolai was not there. The closet was empty except for a few old mops and buckets.
How? Where did he go?
Katya frowned. She looked around the room again. "I know something is going on."
"Nothing is going on. I was just sleeping."
"Your bed is a mess. Your hair is disheveled. You look like you just..."
"Just what?" I challenged. My voice was stronger than I felt.
"Never mind." She turned to leave, then stopped. "Clean the entire north wing today. Top to bottom. And if I find even a speck of dust, you will scrub it again tomorrow."
"Yes, Miss Katya."
She left. I waited until her footsteps faded. Then I checked the closet again.
It was still empty. It wasn't big at all, it could barely contain him. So where was Nikolai?
Then I heard a soft tap on my window. I turned to see Nikolai hanging from the ledge outside.
"Oh my God!" I rushed to open it. "Are you insane?"
"Probably." He climbed inside. "But it worked."
"You could have fallen!"
"But I did not." He kissed me quickly. "I need to go. Before anyone else sees me."
"Be careful."
"Always." He put his cap back on and opened the door carefully. He hecked the hallway, then slipped out.
I sat on my bed. My heart was still racing.
That was too close. Way too close.
I got dressed quickly and started my work in the north wing.
Hours passed. My body ached from last night and from the endless cleaning.
But every time I felt tired, I remembered Nikolai's touch. His whispers. The way he looked at me.
And I smiled.
Around noon, I went to the kitchen to get water.
That was when I saw him.
A stranger. He was tall and handsome with dark hair and green eyes. He was talking to one of the guards.
"Who is that?" I whispered to Vera.
"That is Dmitri. He just arrived this morning. He is one of the Pakhan's new advisors."
"Advisor?" My gaze narrowed.
"Yes. Apparently Mikhail requested help. He said the Pakhan has been too distracted lately. He needs someone to keep him focused."
My stomach sank. He was distracted because of me.
Dmitri turned. Our eyes met and he smiled. It was warm and friendly. Which was strange, because I had expected him to be cold and brutal.
He walked over. "Hello. You must be Anya."
"How do you know my name?" I stepped back slightly.
"Everyone knows your name. You are quite famous around here." He was still smiling.
"Famous for what?" I was glaring at him.
"For being the girl who caught the Pakhan's eye." He extended his hand. "I am Dmitri. Pleasure to meet you."
I shook his hand cautiously. "Pleasure."
"I hope we can be friends," he said. "I am new here. I could use a friendly face."
"I am just a maid."
"And I am just an advisor. But we are all human, are we not?"
I nodded, almost smiling. Finally someone who sees people equally, unlike some certain woman.
"I should get back to work," I said.
"Of course. But if you ever need anything, let me know." The smile was perfectly carved on his lips.
He walked away.
I watched him go.
"Be careful with that one," Vera whispered.
"Why?" Because I was already enjoying his vibe.
"I do not trust him. He appeared too conveniently, just right when the Pakhan is vulnerable." She whispered.
"Maybe he is just here to help." I shrugged.
"Maybe. Or maybe he is here for another reason."
I did not have time to think about it. I had too much work to do.
The day dragged on. My body screamed for rest. But I kept going.
Finally, night came. I returned to my room and collapsed on the bed.
A knock came at the door. Soft and familiar.
I opened it. Nikolai stood there in a hoodie and a cap, just like last night.
"Again?" I whispered.
"I cannot stay away." He smiled.
"Nikolai..."
"Please, Anya. Just one more night."
I should have said no and sent him away to protect us both. But I stepped aside and let him in.
He locked the door and pulled me close.
"I met Dmitri today," I said quickly.
I felt his body tense. "What did he say to you?"
"He just introduced himself. He wants to be friends."
"Stay away from him." His voice was cold.
"Why?"
"Because I do not trust him. Neither should you."
"Vera said the same thing."
"Then listen to her." He kissed my forehead. "Promise me you will stay away from him."
"I promise."
"Good."
We lay down together, holding each other, letting the world fade away.
"Nikolai?"
"Mm?"
"What are we doing?"
He chuckled. "What do you mean?"
"This. You sneaking around, and hiding." I said sadly.
"We are just surviving," he said simply.
"But for how long?"
"I don't know, Anya."
"I am scared."
"So am I." He said and I was shocked.
I looked at his face.
"Really? The great Nikolai Markov is scared?" I smiled, despite the pain in my heart.
"Of losing you? I'm absolutely terrified."
"You are not going to lose me." I said, determined.
"How can you be sure?" He smiled.
"Because I am not going anywhere. No matter what happens. No matter who threatens me. I am staying right here, with you."
He kissed me, softly at first. Then it grew desperate.
We made love again. Making it slower this time. Because we both knew our time was running out.
Morning came too soon. Nikolai slipped out before dawn. Back to his room. Back to his life.
I got ready for another day of torture.
But when I opened my door, Dmitri was standing there.
"Good morning, Anya," he said cheerfully.
"What are you doing here?" I looked around nervously.
"I came to walk you to breakfast."
"I do not eat with the advisors. I am a maid."
"I know. But I thought you might like some company on your walk to the kitchen."
"I really should go alone."
"Nonsense." He offered his arm. "Come. I promise I do not bite."
I hesitated, then took his arm.
We walked through the hallways. He chatted about nothing. The weather, the estate and his journey here.
"You know," he said casually. "I saw someone sneaking out of the servants' quarters this morning."
My blood went cold. "Oh?"
"Yes. He was wearing a hoodie and cap. I could not see his face. But he moved like someone important." He looked at me. "You would not know anything about that, would you?"
I swallowed hard. "No. I do not."
"Hmm." He smiled. But his eyes were calculating. "That is good. Because if someone important was sneaking around. Well, that could cause problems. Big problems."
We reached the kitchen and he released my arm.
"Have a good day, Anya," he said. Then he leaned close and whispered in my ear. "Your secret is safe with me. For now."
Then he walked away, whistling.
My blood ran cold.