Overthrown

Chapter 5

Waking to the sun shining bright through the large windows as I hear my phone ringing. The obnoxious noise piercing through my ear drums as I squint looking around, my eyes trying to adjust to the morning light. Rolling over and grabbing my phone I see Luis's name on the screen. "Go ahead." Sighing as I lie back, collapsing on to the pillow beneath me. Looking at the clock it is noon and I feel like I have been hit by a dump truck. "I hadn't heard from you and wanted to make sure you were alright." The concern is apparent in his voice but I can tell that there is more he needs to tell me.

"I am fine Luis. Thank you for checking on me. He is restrained and still unconscious. Doc said he'll probably wake later this evening or tomorrow morning. Have you found out any information?"

"Good and bad news ma'am. Good news; I have been getting a lot of solid intel on the men you neutralized and the man who is with you. Bad News; The man you saved is Nikolai Volkov, he goes by Niko. He is Pakhan for the Russian mob stateside, he has recently expanded his territory and just purchased a multitude of properties in the area including Lion's Den. I'm still gathering information on the men who were after him but most likely a rival mafia. Not only have you put yourself in the middle of a gang war, but you currently have a very dangerous man in your home. Ma'am, I know you don't think you need my protection but I really think I should come over."

Taking a deep breath, I look over at the still man beside me trying to process all of the new information. "Copy. Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. Keep looking into the men. Contact me as soon as you have enough information to present to Nikolai and I once he wakes. We are going to need him as an ally. That is all." Luis begins to protest but I hang up before he can finish his sentence. Setting my phone down on the nightstand before standing and walking to the other side of the bed. Standing over him, I watch his slow breathing as he lays in front of me. The linework of his tattoos coming alive as they stretch with each breath he takes.

"Nikolai. It's nice to meet you."

I go to my car to fetch my briefcase and retrieve my laptop. If I am going to babysit him all day, I can at least get some work done. Outside my door is a garment bag hanging with freshly laundered clothes that I grab on my way back in. Making a detour into my office, I grab a burner phone out of my desk that I keep for emergencies. Saving my number in it, now he will have something to use to contact me when he leaves. Luis never did find his phone in the alley. I lie back on the chaise and open up my laptop. Three hundred twenty-seven unread emails. This should keep me busy for the day.

Periodically I look across the room and watch his chest rise and fall with each breath. So calming, it makes me forget what kind of man he is. My mind wanders from the emails to the person in front of me. I wonder how many people he has killed. I am sure his body count makes mine look like child's play.

Ding. Another email comes in and I turn my attention back to the screen. I'm sucked into work once again but at least I enjoy my job. Collins International, the true love of my life. My baby that I built from working at my dining room to a billion-dollar enterprise spanning the globe. I can't help but smile thinking back to the early days before everything was so complicated. Before greed took over my once caring husband.

Jason! He will ruin you when he finds out what you have done! You brought a stranger in to his home! His bed! He will end you and all that you have created!

I look down to my knuckles, now white as they grip the armrest. My pulse quickens with each sharp breath, my nails digging into the plush fabric beneath them, my muscles tense as her words ring out in my head. Glancing over to the man that might be the death of me. I want to hate him for the trouble he has brought. The more I look into his face my heart rate begins to slow; I realize that I could never hate him, not when I risked it all to save his life. I tear my eyes away from him and lower them to the screen once again; it is 10:45 PM.

Making my way into my closet, I peel off the cotton pajamas I have been in all day. If I hadn't been so tired the night before I probably wouldn't have gotten any sleep, I can't stand the fabric bunching around my body at night. I always wake up with them damp and clinging to my skin as my nightmares wake me in a cold sweat. Looking through the large wooden drawers I debate what to put on. I lean back to check on Nikolai once again, still unconscious. I feel oddly protective over him; I have never felt the need to watch over someone, tending to their needs as I have with Nikolai.

Turning back to the drawers I grab a matching black lace bralette and panty set. The lace is light on my skin and lays delicately against my tattoos. Wearing suits at work all day, I find myself forgetting that I have them. My fingers trail up the black roses that weave around my arm. It often feels like I am hiding a huge part of myself. Since the beginning, Jason has pushed me to cover them while working. I can hear his voice in my head "You are a COO, not a hooker. You look cheap, not like a corporate exec and I will not have you tarnishing the image of MY company." He always made sure to emphasize "MY." My rage once again bubbling up.

Deep breaths Mitch.

I sluggishly climb into bed next to Nikolai; Rolling on to my side I look at his face, so still, so peaceful. The heat in my cheeks dissipates as the anger subsides. I don't want him to leave but I know he cannot stay. Jason will be back next week and life will go back to the hellish nightmare it was before. My eyes growing heavy as I continue to stare at him across from me; My gaze tracing his features, my breathing finally calm again.

Please wake up Nikolai; I'm too invested now and I don't think I can lose you.