If I Had You Read Online Free PDF Page A

Bolshevik. My great-grandfather was a Russian prince.” All his legacy as an oldest son, long lost now.
    Swankle whistled. “How’d you get out, then?”
    â€œFled in ’18.” It had cost them everything but their lives.
    â€œBetter than where you left, I suppose,” Swankle said.
    â€œI’m afraid it is, these days.” Russia was for Cousin Georgy and his ilk now.
    The service-lift operator let them come aboard. “Third floor tonight,” Ivan said.
    The operator nodded and closed the door. “Not your usual patch.”
    â€œShowing young Swankle the ropes. It’s his first night.”
    â€œNew Year’s Eve?” The operator whistled. “What a time to start.”
    â€œIt’s when I was needed,” Swankle said composedly. “I’m just happy not to be starting 1925 hauling tires about all day. I’m twenty-four and already having pain in me back.”
    â€œI thought you were younger,” Ivan admitted.
    Swankle shook his head. “It’s me baby face. Same as me granddad, they say. Went to his grave still looking like a schoolboy.”
    â€œMaybe it will be of use. Help people to trust you,” Ivan said as they exited the lift. “This is a standard floor. Single rooms, doubles, valet den to the east, supplies to the west. If you see anything in need of cleaning, make a note. You’ve five floors a shift, or two if you have the main floor, since there is so much more to watch.”
    â€œWhat’s the worst thing you’ve seen?”
    â€œDrugs, sex, fights.” Ivan shrugged. “We’ve only been open a month.”
    â€œDid you work here before? Back when them murders happened?”
    â€œI’m new as well. I started on the first night the hotel reopened.”
    â€œMade any friends among the staff?”
    â€œI pay attention to my work. That’s why I normally have the first two floors.” Ahead of them, he saw one of the chambermaids, bucket at her feet, talking to someone. Some of the girls loved a gossip, but this was the lead chambermaid and was more likely to need rescuing from a guest than to be a problem herself.
    â€œLet’s liberate Her Serene Highness from our guest,” he said to Swankle, and strode down the hall.
    â€œWhat? Who?” Swankle’s shorter legs sped up.
    â€œThat chambermaid is a Russian princess fallen on hard times,” Ivan said. “This is what my countrymen have come to since the war.”
    â€œCrikey,” muttered Swankle. “What do I say to her?”
    â€œAs little as possible,” advised Ivan.
    â€œI have not been to the theater since I lived in Saint Petersburg. They are calling the city Petrograd now,” the princess chambermaid said as they walked up to her.
    Ivan had to peer around her to see who she spoke to, and was surprised to discover Miss Loudon. “About time for your dinner break, isn’t it, Olga?” he said in Russian. She’d forbidden him to use her title at the hotel.
    The maid froze. “Yes, of course.” She strode away, ignoring Swankle’s friendly grin.
    Ivan shook his head. “Return her bucket to the maid’s closet, will you, Swankle? Down the hall there, you’ll see the Staff Only sign.”
    â€œYes, Mr. Salter.” Swankle picked up the bucket.
    â€œA bit early for you to be prowling, isn’t it?” Ivan asked Miss Loudon. At least she wasn’t dressed in baggy gray this time. Her dress was navy and the fabric draped better. For the first time he could see the shape of her body, not quite as boyish as current fashion preferred. The lady had curves, more generous in the bosom than the hips. Delicate bones. His body responded in predictable fashion. She really was a beauty, with Cinderella potential.
    â€œI had questions for the Russian employees,” she said.
    â€œTrying to find me? Looking for more kisses?” he teased.
    Her eyes