Chapter 49.

NORA CARUSO I stood for a moment, my hand lingering on the leather handle of the bag, looking around the room. I Look around, months ago this room terrified me and now looking everywhere, I realized I didn't want to leave. I took a shaky breath, trying to steady my racing heart."Are you ready?" The deep voice came from the doorway, making me jump. I turned around, and Nikolai was standing there. He was fully dressed for travel, wearing a long black wool coat over his charcoal suit, leather gloves in one hand. I swallowed the lump in my throat and nodded. "Yes. I’m packed." He stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the space, checking for anything I might have left behind, before landing on me. "Good. The car is waiting downstairs." I gripped the handle of my suitcase tighter, my knuckles turning white. "Nikolai," I started, the question slipping out before I could stop it. "When are you going to come back?" He paused, adjusting the cuff of his coat. He looked at me, his expression un