Lost Little Red.

15

The weeks started turning into months. I could see the changes, my stomach was getting bigger now and Vitaly was growing more stressed and even more protective.

The threats were still coming in. Theo and Gus didn't know our location but they still managed to get the word to us. We're starting to think he's got someone on the inside, or at least closer to home than we'd like.

Russia has been absolutely beautiful despite the underlying threat I've managed to enjoy myself. Vitaly won't let me do much for fear of hurting the baby. We've decided to keep the gender a surprise and it's been driving us both crazy.

I still can't wait to head back to the states. New Orleans is my home and I'm pissed we've been forced here. With the baby on the way there's no way to go back right now.

I've been sitting in the library for the last hour skimming over decade old books in a language I don't understand. Not all of them in Russian. I heard the door click behind me and knew he would be coming to check on me soon.

I turned around but stoped when I realized it wasn't Vitaly. Nikolai stood just inside the now closed door. His hands in his pockets and his head down looking at his shoes.

He didn't say anything for a minute. I wanted to break the silence but it didn't feel right, so I stayed silent and waited for him to speak. Things with Nikolai have been better since they came here but it's been clear he doesn't like me.

"You know Evie has baby fever now she demands I put a baby in her so our kids can be close in age. Something about that was your plan since you were kids."

I laughed and nodded my head remembering the ages old conversation. We wanted everything to be together. Kids, marriage...that was the plan.

"Yeah she's always been a dreamer that one."

He finally looked up at me. His eyes seemed glazed over and ready to cry. I'd never seen him like this. Frankly we kept our distance from each other but right now he was seeking me out and I didn't know where this conversation was going.

"We're trying ya know...to have a baby."

My eyes widened for a second before I caught myself. "Why are you telling me this Nikolai? Why isn't Evie?"

He let out a deep chuckle and came to sit at the large brown leather wing back chair by the window. I followed and sat in the identical chair opposite of him.

"Oh believe me she wanted to....she didn't want to take the light away from you. Said this was your time and that there was nothing set in stone for us yet. She always puts you first ya know. She always lets you shine before herself."

"As do I with her, it's what we do and what we've always done. With the exception of the last few years. It's no secret I had a weak point in my life."

He nodded his head and leaned forward placing his elbows on his knees.

"We need to start getting along, not just for Evie and Vitaly but for ourselves. I was beyond pissed at you for what you did to my brother and my sister. Abandoning them like you did. I know now you had your reasons and in a fucked up way you were looking out for all of us.

Vitaly has had women around but none ever stuck...you did and I'm happy to see him so happy. He's thrilled about this baby and if Evie and I have a child well....I want the best environment possible for them."

My heart hurt and swelled at the same time. I never wanted to fight with Nikolai and now it seems we really were going to bury the hatchet. I abruptly stood up and he followed eyes wide and my sudden movements.