“That’s pretty cool,” Terry said.
“Tell us about your country,” Phil said. “Is it anything like Beaver Falls?”
“Hmm. In some ways,” Alexander replied. “The landscape is similar, mountains and trees as far as the eye can see. Cold in the winter, hot in the summer. But …”
“There really is no place like home,” Maxim finished.
“Enough about us,” Frederic said. “We want to know more about the six of you.”
“What do you want to know?” Rachel asked.
“Earlier you said your wife’s ancestors were from Beaver Falls.” Maxim fixed his gaze on me and my father. “Can you tell us more about her?”
“My mother died a long time ago,” I said, hoping that they’d get my hint and stop asking questions about a subject my father had a hard time discussing.
Maxim nodded slightly. “I apologize. Please forgive me. I didn’t mean to bring up painful memories.”
“What about the rest of you?” Frederic said. “How long have your families lived in Beaver Falls?”
“I moved here after meeting my late husband in college,” Mary said.
“Most of us are transplants,” Phil said. “Terry and I used to live in Staten Island. After our kids were all grown and left the house, we both decided we wanted a slower pace, so we moved here.”
“You can’t get much slower than Beaver Falls,” my dad said. “Which is what I love about living here, but most young people think there’s nothing to do.”
“Not everyone is as interested in outdoor activities as you are, James,” Mary said.
Our conversation was interrupted by the servants, who’d returned to clear the table for dessert, which turned out to be a cake composed of multiple thin layers sandwiched between a rich chocolate frosting and topped with brittle caramel. It practically melted in my mouth. If I wasn’t so stuffed from the main course, I would’ve devoured my entire slice.
As the dishes were cleared from the table, I stood. “Is there a restroom I can use?”
“Of course. It is up the stairs and through the second door on your left,” Frederic replied.
I followed his instructions and easily found the restroom, but before I entered it, curiosity got the better of me. The hallway was dimly lit and most of the doors were closed, but one was ajar. I told myself to turn around, finish up in the restroom, and return downstairs, but my feet refused to listen. I’d accepted the Korzhas’ invitation because of my burning desire to see the inside of this castle, and since the brothers weren’t about to offer up a tour, I had to take matters into my own hands. A quick glance inside the room to my right wouldn’t hurt anyone.
I pushed the door open and stepped inside.
On the opposite side of the room, French doors that led to a small balcony were open despite the spring chill. I crossed the darkened room and stepped out onto it. Night had fallen, making it impossible to appreciate the view that being in a castle on top of a hill normally offered. The moon was almost full and the night sky clear enough that every star shone bright, but still I felt blind. I wanted to see what the castle grounds looked like from that balcony in the light of day.
I sighed. Although the evening had been a bit of a letdown, at least I’d gotten to see some of the castle. I walked back inside, sparing one last glance over my shoulder. Suddenly, a light came on in the room. I stumbled over my feet and held my arms out to brace myself. But then, out of nowhere, a pair of strong arms wrapped around me, catching me before I fell to the floor.
Chapter 4
The man whose arms I’d just fallen into looked more startled than I felt. And even more handsome than the three men downstairs who resembled him so closely they had to be his brothers.
“What are you doing in here?” he asked as he helped me to my feet, sounding more curious than angry.
I realized I was staring and lowered my eyes. “You’re the fourth brother,” I said. “Aren’t you?”
He backed away from me, clasping his hands behind his back. “I am.”
So there actually were four of them. That was one mystery solved and one rumor my curious mind could put to rest. “What’s your name?”
“Nicolai.”
I lifted my gaze. Nicolai’s brothers were handsome, but he was downright flawless. Perfect bone structure, silky ebony hair, piercing brown eyes that felt like they could see through you to your soul. “What are you doing in here? Why aren’t you downstairs with your brothers?” I wasn’t one to ask prying questions, but I couldn’t help myself. I had to know more about this man standing in front of me.
“I asked you first.” He ran a hand through his hair. “But since I’m fairly certain I already know, I suppose I’ll answer your question,” he said. “I’m not exactly the dinner party type.”
I took a quick glance around the room. The walls were lined with shelves which held hundreds of books. It had to be a library or perhaps someone’s office since there was a desk in the corner of the room. I wondered why Nicolai had been sitting in here all alone in the dark. “I … I’m sorry for intruding.”
“No need to apologize,” he said, smiling at me. “But my brothers are probably wondering where you’ve run off to.”
“Right. I should get back downstairs,” I said, embarrassed that I’d been caught snooping. “Um, it was nice to meet you, Nicolai.”
He smiled again but didn’t reply. I hesitated for a moment, then turned and walked out of the room.
When I returned to the dining room, Frederic lifted his head and asked, “Is everything all right?”
“Yes,” I said, feeling my cheeks heat as I thought about falling into Nicolai’s strong arms and the way I’d stared at him afterward. He probably thought I was crazy. Or maybe he
