Chapter 19.

NIKOLAI VOLKOV. The tires of the car crunched over the gravel of the driveway, I killed the engine, but my hands remained on the steering wheel for a second longer. Nora looked small, too small. I got out of the car, and I didn't wait for the guards. I opened her door and unbuckled her belt. She stirred, a low whimper escaping her throat, her hands flying up defensively. "It's me," I said, my voice rougher than I intended. "It's Nikolai." Her eyes fluttered open, recognition dawned slowly followed by a slump of relief. She leaned into me as I slid my arms under her knees and back, lifting her out of the car. She was shivering. "I have you," I murmured, kicking the car door shut with my foot. "We are inside." I carried her up, the doors swung open before I reached them. I moved toward the grand staircase but before I could reach the first step, Valerie stepped forward. She was wearing a silk robe, a glass of wine in her hand. She froze when she saw us, her eyes widened, darting from the