Page 16 of My Russian Roommate

“What is it? What’s going on?” I shout and pick up the card to read it myself.

“My dearest Leah, who knew that little miss perfect was really just a slut in disguise?”

I drop the card back onto the counter and pick up the box. She remains still and speechless as she watches me tear the top off and look inside. I reach in and pull out a pile of photographs. There are some of Leah before I met her, some taken through the windows of her old apartment, and then, some of her and me together, including some taken last night. My blood freezes solid, pulse pounding in my temple.

“What is this, Leah? Is this the guy you mentioned from back home? Why didn’t you tell me he was this obsessed with you? Did you have any idea that he followed you to the city?” I realize I’m getting out of control when she begins to cry. Scrubbing a hand across my face, I bite back a string of curses directed at whoever this asshole is.

“I’m not yelling at you. I’m sorry if I’m coming across this way. I’m just worried about you. What would have happened to you if your apartment didn’t burn down and he decided to come after you when you were alone and vulnerable?” I squeeze her and kiss her cheek.

“I didn’t think he would follow me here. Nothing has ever happened to make me think that I was being watched like that. That’s why I didn’t tell you. There was nothing to tell.”

“Okay, it’s alright. What I need from you is a description of this guy. Does he have social media or a job that might post pictures of him online?”

“Yes. He has social media. I blocked him when he was harassing me.”

“Pull it up,” I tell her.

She gets her phone and pulls up his account. She scrolls through until she finds a photo of him and hands it to me.

“Jesus, I don’t believe this!” I slam my fist down hard on the counter.

“What is it? What’s wrong?” she cries, eyes wide in fear.

“He was right here the other night. I knew something wasn’t right. I should have followed my gut…”

“What are you talking about? He was here?”

“He was right outside on the steps. When I asked him what he was doing, he said he was a food delivery guy. Someone was caught sneaking around the precinct garage, too. My old partner told me the guy was looking inside my car. I bet that was him, too.” I go into the bedroom and start getting dressed.

“What are you doing? Where are you going?” she asks.

“We’re going to the precinct. You’re going to file a complaint and get a restraining order, and I’m going to run him through the system to see if I can find out where he’s staying. I memorized the delivery guy's plate. I need to see if that car is registered to him.”

I can see she’s truly shaken, and I believe her when she says she didn’t think this guy was anything more than an annoyance so I stop in my tracks and say, “Come here.” I open my arms and she burrows her face in my chest.

“I’m so sorry, Lev,” she whimpers. “I didn’t mean to cause you any trouble.”

“This isn’t your fault, baby. It’s his. I’m not upset with you at all. I just need to do everything I can to make sure you’re safe.”

She lifts her head and gives me a doe-eyed glance, “You don’t think he’s dangerous, do you?”

“Maybe, maybe not, but we aren’t going to take any chances with your safety. If I can arrest him, great. If not, I’ll deal with him another way.”

“Another way? How?”

“Just know that when I’m finished with him, he’ll wish he had gone to jail. Now, I need you to relax. I promise I’ll keep you safe. Just get dressed so we can get a case opened,” I take her face in my hands and kiss her lips.

As we leave the apartment and head for the car, I hold Leah tightly by my side. I don’t want to scare her, but I can’t help but look over my shoulder to make sure we’re not being followed. One of the first things I learned during my time in the Russian military was to always be aware of my surroundings.

It’s odd because I know she’s hoping that this guy won’t be lurking in the shadows but I’m hoping he is. I’m amped and ready for an altercation. The best way to solve this problem is to confront and eliminate the threat. I’m itching for an opportunity to do just that. This boy chose the wrong girl to screw with.

10

JUST AS THINGS RETURN TO NORMAL

LEAH

“Itold you I don’t want you going anywhere by yourself. You shouldn’t be taking this shift at all,” Lev tells me as we get out of the shower.

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