My Russian Hero by Jacee Macguire Read Free Book Online Page B

everyone and always had a smile on his face, while still giving off a sense of power and authority, no matter where they were.
    Sergei wasn’t like any of the guys she knew. She really liked that about him. Every time he touched her, in even the slightest way, a thrill rushed over her she couldn’t quite explain. She only knew that being with him made her feel special, as if maybe he was her special guy, the one man meant to make her happy, to fill her life with excitement and love… but most of all, safety.
    “Sergei, why do people seem to treat you special?” Dani asked
    “You noticed. Well, my father is a very powerful man in Russia, not someone you wish to anger. Many people know this and extend that same resepct to me and my brother, Stephan.” He didn’t want to elaborate on the subject and hoped Dani would be satisfied with his answer.
    “Oh. How old is your brother?” she asked, wondering if she might be able to play matchmaker for him and Zoe.
    “He’s twenty-two. Why?” Sergei arched his brow, a concerned look etched on his handsome face.
    “I just thought maybe he might be someone Zoe could hang out with while we’re here.”
    Sergei laughed, shaking his head. “I think he is too wild for young Zoe. He would eat her alive… or the two of them would cause too much trouble when paired together.”
    Dani giggled. “You’re probably right. She can be a handful all by herself.”
    Zoe had enjoyed breakfast with Sergei and Dani but being a third wheel just wasn’t her thing. She excused herself and ventured to a few of the nearby street vendors, giving the two lovebirds time alone. She was thrilled to finally see her friend spending time with a man. Dani seemed to light up like the fourth of July when Sergei was around her, which was a sight she thought she’d never see.
    After breakfast, Sergei took the girls on a tour of St. Petersburg, hitting most of the major sights – the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Winter Palace, and the Bronze Horseman, a monument to Peter the Great – which took a majority of the day to see. Zoe and Dani took tons of pictures throughout the day. Dani found the architecture and color schemes of the different buildings fascinating, but her thoughts kept returning to Sergei and their encounter at the bar. She wanted to experience that feeling again.
    “Thanks for taking us out on the town, Sergei,” Zoe said. “I had a great time.”
    “Sure. Maybe we can all go out again later this week.” he said.
    When they returned to the hotel, Zoe slipped up to the room, providing Dani and Sergei with some time alone to say their goodbyes for the day. They found a table in the corner of the bar, where they continued to chat. Sergei had entertained the idea of coming clean with Dani about the family business but was worried she would fear him if she knew the truth, and he couldn’t stand the thought of her being scared of him. For some reason, he felt the need to be near her and, in some ways, that scared him more than death.
    A waiter approached to take their drink orders. “What can I get you to drink, sir?”
    “Vodka,” Sergei replied. “Bring the bottle.”
    “And for the lady?”
    “A whiskey sour would be great. Thank you.” Dani replied.
    “I’ll be back with your drinks shortly.” The waiter left for the bar and returned a few minutes later, placing their drinks, along with a bottle of vodka, on the table before rushing away.
    “I had a wonderful time today.” Dani said, smiling at Sergei.
    “It was my pleasure,” he replied, sliding his hand across the table and lacing his fingers through hers. “I enjoy spending time with you.”
    “What are your plans tomorrow?” she asked
    “I have family business to attend to in the morning. But I’d like to spend the afternoon with you... just you... if you’re free.”
    “I am. At least I think I am. I’ll have to check with Zoe.” She hoped Zoe wouldn’t mind spending the day by