My Russian Hero Read Free Page B

her off guard as he had done before.
    Dani McCade’s new life allowed her to redefine herself and find comfort by teaching herself to be aware of everything around her. She hadn’t done that before, and that was a major flaw on Dani’s part. What happened to her back then wasn’t her fault, but she should have been more aware. She was one of the lucky ones. It was chilling how many girls aren’t so lucky; many don’t survive a stalker like Dani’s. It was just a sad fact, and facts didn’t lie.
    Margo Waters helped Dani to shed some of her fears and weakness and to be reborn as a warrior. Margo became her guardian angel and Dani could never thank her enough for everything she’d done for her over the years. The changes Dani made had given her the strength to live her life again, no matter who she was or where she was.
    Margo said that Dani was a survivor, but Dani liked to think of herself as a warrior because she made a point to learn everything she could about kickboxing, Aikido, Jiu-Jitsu, and Krav Maga. If she ever found herself in a situation like that again, she would damn sure be ready to kick some major ass.
    Screaming for help wasn’t a bad thing that night, but she could have done more, should have done more, but fear wrapped its tendrils around her, making her weak. Feeling that weak again just wasn’t an option for her anymore. Dani had vowed to protect herself in every way possible, and that was a promise she’d always keep.
    The special victims of crime people had suggested that she get a firearm. Dani had hesitated in doing that at first. She knew that guns didn’t kill people without a little assistance, but she just hated the thought of having one. Her parents never allowed weapons in the home and she understood why. The danger they represented was instilled in her from a very young age. There were countless deaths on record, stories in newspapers sharing the sad news of lost children and odd events leading to a death that could have been prevented.
    Now she felt differently about them. In this world, they were necessary to aid in one’s protection, to ensure that one was not taken advantage of. After learning to fight off attackers, she learned to properly use a gun. Purchasing one and not being able to use it safely just wasn’t going to happen. Her parents would’ve rolled over in their graves if they knew she owned one now. It stays in its box, locked away even now. But it made Dani feel safer just knowing it was there if she ever needed it.
     

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
    Security is mostly a superstition.
    It does not exist in nature.”
    - Helen Keller
     
     

Chapter Two
     
    One Year Later - Present Day
    “Dani. Are you packed and ready for our flight?” Zoe yelled from the next room. You could hear the excitement in every word she spoke. This spring break vacation was going to be the best one yet.
    “Yes! I’m all set.” Dani yelled back. While she was definitely excited about going on a week-long vacation to Russia, she was also a little panicked. Traveling was the only thing Dani hadn’t done in the last four years. To be separated from her weapon was weighing on her mind heavily.
    “I’ve been looking forward to this trip ever since Kitty told us about Russia last year.” Zoe said. “We’re going to have so much fun.” Her suitcase banged against the wall outside my bedroom door. “Damn it!” she groaned checking her manicured nails.
    “You alright?” Dani asked, zipping her suitcase closed.
    Zoe nodded, looking at Dani as she leaned against the doorframe. “You okay? You’re not nearly as excited as you should be.” A frown formed on her face. “You aren’t backing out are you?”
    “I haven’t changed my mind,” Dani said. “I’m actually really excited. Maybe we can look Kitty up when we get there.” There was no need to share her worries with Zoe; she already knew them all to well. Zoe had been Dani’s best friend since their