Saving Nikolai

Chapter 4

Leylani tossed and turned all night. Nikolai's eyes kept flashing in her mind. The way he looked at her when she cut her hair haunted her. Behind his icy irises, she saw confusion with hints of rage. Why did it bother him when she cut her hair?

Leylani listened closely. As the jingling of her father's keys disappeared, she shot up. He was gone. She was safe. For now. She got ready for the day, excited to see Victoria again. She called before Leylani had gone to sleep, asking her to come over for tea.

With a skip in her step, Leylani crossed the tracks and ventured into the world of the wealthy. The walk was long, but she didn't mind. Not today. She knew she would be safe at the Gotti household. No one would hurt her there. Not her father and not Kiera. Richard buzzed her in before she even rang.

"Good morning, Leylani."

Leylani smiled at him. He led her into the household and straight into the kitchen.

"Where is Ms. Victoria?" she asked.

"She didn't call you. I did."

Leylani looked up as Nikolai's familiar voice rang out. Richard smiled at the two, then left.

"Er, hi," she said, feeling out of place. Why did Nikolai call her?

Nikolai hopped on the counter. "Well, what are you waiting for? Let's get to work."

"Work?"

"I think I deserve some compensation for the emotional damage you caused me yesterday."

Leylani stared at him. She hadn't a clue what was going through his mind. Emotional damage? What was he talking about? His gaze darted to her hair. Oh! Leylani's body burned as his gaze bore into hers. Her hunch was right. Nikolai was upset that she cut her hair. Why? She didn't know.

"Tamale pies?" she offered.

"Yes, please."

Leylani gathered the ingredients while Nikolai watched her. Her stomach flipped every time he locked eyes with her. Leylani fought the butterflies that were yearning to break free. He's taken! Besides, he'd never go out with someone like me.

"Is it going to be spicy?" he asked.

"Very." Leylani promised.

Nikolai chuckled. Leylani looked at him. "What's so funny?"

Nikolai shook his head. "Nothing."

Leylani worked in silence, mulling over her thoughts. Nikolai had promised to keep his distance and yet here they were, weeks later, back to square one, keeping their friendship a secret.

"I see your scars healed."

Leylani jumped. Her back was turned, so she didn't realize just how close Nikolai was. His cool breath tickled her neck. "Er, yes. So did yours," she said, taking a step to the side.

Nikolai looked down at his knuckles, a small smile playing on his lips. "I should have hit him harder."

"I never thanked you for that."

"You don't have to."

A lump formed in Leylani's throat. Tears stung her eyes. Nikolai hadn't realized the magnitude of his simple act. What was nothing to him was everything to her. No one ever noticed her before. Nikolai not only noticed her, but saved her. "Thank you, Nikolai. Truly." She sniffed, trying to fight the tears, not wanting him to see her break.

"Hey." Nikolai's voice fell an octave. He put a finger under her chin, raising her head. "Look at me."

Leylani opened her eyes. Her tears betrayed her and spilled over. Nikolai's gaze softened. He cradled her face between his warm hands and wiped away her tears. "I swear to you, Leylani. No one will ever hurt you again."