Page 22 of My Russian Roommate

I rush to them, grabbing the man under his arms and ripping him off of my girl. He refuses to release his grasp on her, forcing me to lift him off his feet and toss him across the room. He’s a good-sized man, but in my rage-fueled state, he’s light as a feather. His body crashes against the wall, leaving his impression on the drywall as he sinks to the floor gasping for breath.

Leah lies limp and lifeless on the floor. I check her for a pulse and say, “Hang on, baby girl, I’m here.”

With my back turned to him, Jack gets to his feet and runs to the kitchen. I follow behind, prepared to dish out the beating of his life, but the moonlight streaming through the hole in the roof glistens off the blade of the large knife in his hand.

I have to rethink my plan. I remove my weapon from my holster and point it at him.

“Drop the fucking knife,” I command but he just holds it up higher and laughs. Psychoticmudak. “I said drop it, you piece of shit. Drop it or I’ll shoot.”

Jack grins and glides the blade down the side of his own face, leaving a trail of blood behind.

“You think I’m afraid to die? Today is supposed to be my last day. You can empty your gun in me, but I’m still taking her with me. She’s got a really bad head wound. She’s probably bleeding from her brain and the lack of oxygen didn’t help. Just keep standing here with me while the life slips out of her. You’re doing me a favor.”

I look back at Leah, knowing I’m running out of time. I have to make a move and make it now, so I step toward him, keeping my eyes on the moving blade. He extends his arm, jabbing at the air between us, but I keep moving forward slowly one step at a time.

He backs away, wedging himself against the kitchen counter where the only way out is through me.

I lunge forward and hear my shirt sleeve tear from the slashing of the blade. I grab his left arm, and he stabs me in the shoulder. This time, I grab his wrist and wrestle him for possession of the knife, but he holds on. I use my superior strength to bend his hand back until the bones snap in his wrist. He cries out and drops the knife on the floor. I raise my weapon and shout, “Turn around.” I need to cuff him and get medical attention for Leah, but he climbs onto the counter and leaps into the air.

I raise my weapon, expecting him to attempt to tackle me, but he jumps down beside me and runs toward Leah. He’s unarmed but in her current state, he might not need a weapon to finish her off, so I open fire, dropping him mid-step, and drop my knee on his back, pinning him to the floor.

He’s alive thanks to my precision shooting, but he won’t be walking on those knees anytime soon. I cuff him and radio for the police and ambulance. Dispatch confirms that they’re in transit and I crouch down, taking Leah in my arms.

She blinks several times and smiles when she sees me cradling her wounded head in my hand.

“You’re really here. I thought I was dreaming,” she whispers.

“Shh, don’t talk, malyshka. Your head is hurt. Just know that you’re safe now. I’ve got you.”

“Jack? Did you…kill him?”

“No, baby girl, I didn’t. He wanted to die. I don’t give people like him what they want. He’s going to rot in a prison cell for the rest of his life wishing he was dead instead.”

“Good,” she cringes from the pain.

“Stop talking now. The ambulance is coming.”

“Are you coming with me? I don’t want you to leave me.”

“I won’t. I won’t ever leave you again.”

* * *

I come homefrom work to find Leah cleaning the kitchen. “What are you doing? The doctor said bed rest for you.”

“I know but I wanted to clean up the mess from breakfast. You’ve been waiting on me hand and foot for over a week now. It’s time I start pitching in.”

“Leah, you had surgery. The dishes can wait until I get home but, if you’re feeling well enough to clean, are you up to going out to dinner?”

“I feel fine. It would be nice to get out and get some fresh air for a change.”

“Good. How about we hop in the shower? I have a little surprise for you.”

“What is it?” her eyes light up and she does the cutest little shimmy.

“I’ll tell you at dinner. I promise,” I slap her sweet ass. “Now, get naked so I can slide around against your soapy, wet body.”

I step into the shower and hold my hand out to her. She climbs in beside me and wraps her arms around my neck. I watch as the water splashes against her tits and tummy and hungrily lick the tiny droplets from her skin. My idea of heaven is having this beautiful, naked girl all to myself.

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