To Love and Protect Read Online Free PDF

stop at a place I promise you’ll never forget.”
    “Sounds great.”
    Liz liked the way David’s hand felt holding hers. She liked being close to him. Honestly, she liked a lot of things, including the fact that he was a giant, good-looking distraction. Coming in early so she wouldn’t be so exhausted during the final adoption process had seemed like a good idea at the time, but flying over, she’d realized it also gave her too much time to think about what she was doing. Not that she regretted any part of adopting Natasha. Instead, she worried about being a good enough mother for the delightful baby.
    But with David at her side, she could fill her mind with other intriguing topics and different fantasies. Such as how it was possible for one man to produce so many tingles in her body.
    He escorted her to a small green car parked down the street. As they took off, she felt a thrill of excitement. She was about as far from home as she’d ever been, in the company of a handsome man, starting an adventure that would change her life. What could be better?
    “Tell me about living here,” she said as they turned a corner and entered a busy main street. “Do you have much contact with Russian people?”
    “I try to. When I came here I knew a lot in theory, but had no practical experience with another culture.” He shot her a grin. “Now I’m practically a native.”
    “Sure you are. Say something in Russian.”
    He obliged with a long sentence. She blinked at him.
    “Okay, and what did you say?”
    “That this was the kind of day meant to be spent with a beautiful woman. Then I said something dirty I can’t repeat.”
    She laughed. “Fair enough. So tell me about the people of this city.”
    “They’re welcoming and warm. Even to strangers. Especially to strangers. When you’re in someone’s home, there’s plenty of vodka to go around, and plates and plates of food. Guests are expected to bring a gift. Residents are fiercely loyal to their culture and their history. Russian brands are always preferred. Oh, and when you give flowers, always do so in an odd number. No one here wants a dozen roses.”
    “Interesting.”
    They crossed a wide river and David began pointing out different buildings. There were museums and theaters and more churches than she’d thought possible, each more beautiful than the last.
    “The American embassy,” he said, pointing to his left. “You were there last night.”
    “The place to run to if I get into trouble, right?” she asked with a chuckle.
    David glanced at her. “Absolutely. Don’t hesitate, even for a second. If something happens, go there.”
    He sounded fierce and she shivered. “Are you trying to scare me?”
    “Just keeping you safe. Life is different here than back in Portland. You need to remember that.”
    “Don’t worry. Except for this day of sight-seeing, my trip here will revolve around the orphanage and getting Natasha. I doubt I’ll get into any trouble with that.”
    “Good point.”
    He continued to drive around, showing her the sights. At last they parked and began to walk.
    The June day was sunny and in the high sixties. David had brought her to a tourist area and she saw people from all over the world. She recognized a few of the languages spoken, but not all.
    “Do you like it here?” she asked.
    “Yes.”
    “How long are you going to stay?”
    “I’m not sure. I’ve already extended my assignment twice. I could head back to the States if I wanted.”
    “Do you want to, or is the spy business too good?”
    He took her hand and laced his fingers with hers. “I’m into the James Bond thing. It works with the ladies.”
    “Like you need help there.” She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. “Seriously, David, you’re not actually a spy, right?”
    “I’m an attaché with the Department of Information.”
    “And…?”
    “And here’s what I brought you to see.”
    He stopped walking and pointed to their right. Liz was