Chapter Two

Present Day

Cleopatra “Cleo” Yurandol Laurens sat back in her seat and tried to contain her excitement. Finally, I’m going to be in Russia.

Her family didn’t understand her deep longing—no, craving—to make it to the country. In fact, the only one who understood was her friend, Kenya. She and Kenya had met in their college mythology class and had become very good friends. It had been Kenya who had taken her to the airport to catch the first leg of this very trip.

Recently divorced, Cleo eagerly looked forward to moving on with her life. This was where Russia came in—the wonderful, large country of Russia. Even she couldn’t explain the magnet that pulled her from the great state of Tennessee to the steppes of Russia. It was just necessary for her to go experience the history and mythology the country was steeped in.

She scanned the expanse of cold-looking, snow-covered ground. What the hell was I thinking? Russia in winter? She shook herself and refused to second-guess her decision.

Moscow came into view as the plane made its descent. “Welcome to Russia,” the pilot spoke. The announcement was first made in Russian and, then, English. With a quick jerk of her belt, Cleo secured herself for landing. Her heart pounded with anticipation. Soon. Very soon.

Once she was able, Cleo grabbed her carry-on and walked off the plane to begin her life’s greatest adventure. She tightened her grip on her bag and put more confidence in her step after she cleared customs. Her gaze swept around, taking in Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport. As she followed the group around a corner, she heard someone call her name.

Stopping, she scanned the crowd until she found a man holding a sign with her name on it.

“Ms. Laurens?” The question came on the flow of heavily accented English.

Moving toward him, Cleo smiled at the older gentleman. “I’m Cleo Laurens.”

“My name is Serge. I was sent by the hotel to pick you up.” He gestured at her hand. “You do have more bags, no? Surely, you wouldn’t come to Moscow without bringing more.”

She laughed. “Oh, no. I have more.” I have never been able to travel light.

He sent her a smile in return. “Wonderful. We go collect them and head to hotel.”

“Perfect.” Cleo had decided to spend a few days in Moscow before heading out to Saint Petersburg. “I’m ready.”

Her driver looked at her and nodded. “Da. Yes. I can see that.” He paused. “This your first time here?” When Cleo nodded, he continued, “About time.”

Before she could give any sort of response, he had begun walking toward the baggage claim area. Together, she and Serge took her bags to the car. Instead of sitting in the back, Cleo took him up on his offer to ride in the front. The man drove slowly, pointing out numerous places she knew weren’t in the travel guide. Serge took the time to explain some of the history that went with the sights. At one point, he apologized for talking until Cleo assured him she was thoroughly enjoying the tales.

“In America, what do you do?” he asked her as he expertly maneuvered along the streets.

What do I do? What do I do? Cleo fingered the snowflake necklace she wore as she tried to find an answer. “I don’t do anything, right now. I just finished school and am taking some time to myself to decide what I want.”

Light blue eyes watched her before shifting back to the road. He pulled into the hotel and parked the car by the front door. “Here we are.” Serge unloaded her bags and placed them on a cart for her.

“Thank you,” Cleo said as she handed him some money. She frowned as he waved it off. “What’s wrong?”

“I don’t wish your money. Anytime you need go, you send for Serge, da?” The older man bowed over her hand and placed a light kiss on the back of her leather glove.

“I will, and thank you. Thank you for getting me here.” Cleo squeezed his hand before turning and walking into the large hotel.

Her eyes swept the immaculate lobby. Her skin tingled with the anticipation she felt standing here across the world from everything she knew. One hell of a grand adventure.

It didn’t take very long for Cleo to get herself checked in. Grinning like a child at Christmas, she lay back upon the soft queen-sized bed and ran over a list of things she wanted to do first. There were plenty of things she wished to see while here, and she was only in Moscow for three days.

Stifling a yawn, she opted to catch a catnap first. While she was excited, there was going to be a bit of jet lag. Not too bad, however, since her husband—correction, ex-husband—had kept strange hours, so she was used to operating at all hours. Getting to her feet, Cleo made sure her door was locked before going back to the bed.

“I did it!” Her energetic whisper filled the room. “I’m here. I made it.” Soon, her lashes drifted down and stayed resting against her smooth cheeks.