He nods. “It was an ugly time.”
Pop. Pop. Glass explodes, and metals tings around us. Loud noises continue to sound, and my ears ring.
“Spuskat'sya.” A man screams in Russian.
Lenkov tackles me to the ground, covering me with his body. Car alarms go off, and people scream. Pressure builds in my head, and my stomach spasms. Time is both slow and fast as the chaos continues around me.
“Rylee. Can you hear me?” I blink, stunned to find myself propped up into a sitting position beside Lenkov, who’s cupping my face.
“Y-yes? What happened?” My voice is slurred, and I have a powerful urge to sleep.
“We were in a drive-by shooting. Hey,” Lenk presses his forehead against mine. “I need you to stay awake for me.”
Blinking slowly, I try to take in my environment. “We’re moving. Where are we?”
“We couldn’t be seen there.”
“They’re going to wonder where I went.”
“You were scared. You ran and didn’t stop until you were far away and contacted the police. I think you have a concussion. I tried to cushion your fall.” His fingers run through my hair.
“Who was that?”
“I don’t know, but I plan to find out.”
“Oh my God, Jaycee.”
“Is in excellent hands at home with my brother, Vas, Ge, and Iosif. I know you don’t like him, but he would die before he let anything happen to our son. We’ll be with them shortly. Tell me something about yourself.”
“About me?”
“Yes. What’s your favorite color?”
“P-peach.”
“That’s oddly specific.”
“It’s perfect. Not quite orange or pink. The perfect balance in-between.” I smile at his perplexed expression. “What’s yours?”
“Navy blue.”
“Hmm. That explains the suits.”
“You notice what I wear?”
“I see you every day. You’re hot.” The bang to the head has loosened my tongue.
“So are you.”
“Don’t listen to me. I’m compromised,” I mumble.
“Sounds a lot like the truth coming out.” He kisses my temple. “But I’d never take advantage of you.” Warmth flows through me at his words.
“You saved me.” I realize.
“And I always will.” His words hold weight now. I’ve never had a male figure I could count on. My grandfather died when I was too young to remember. My father bailed, and my mother came from a family of sisters. This man’s given me more than lip service. He proved his loyalty with his actions. Swaying toward him, I groan as the world spins.
“Lenk?”