Read Online A Very Russian Christmas by Krystal Shannan - Free Book Online

 
     
    Chapter One
     
     
    Too much vodka .
    Ksenia Sharanov groaned and rolled over on the downy comforter covering the huge king-sized bed in her room. Last night had turned into a lopsided game of “I’ve never.” Stupid game . Her college roommates, Kate, Maria, and Patti had quickly figured out she’d never done a lot of things and turned the game on her. Morning was not a close friend, and a pounding headache was helping her greet the rising sun.
    Usually, she spent her whole winter break with her dad, but he’d had some last minute business to deal with. No need to ask what business dared interrupt their winter holiday. The daughter of a Russian mobster just nodded and moved on with life. He would finish his business today, meet her at LAX, and together they would travel to Russia and meet her grandmother for Christmas.
    Top of her class in computer science and engineering at NYU, she kept as much distance as possible between herself and Papa’s business. Even so, he’d assigned a trusted friend, Yuri Borodin, as a permanent bodyguard. Yuri wasn’t so bad though. He gave her space when needed, and she’d barely noticed him around the lodge. Her roommates didn’t seem to care either. He was her driver as well as her bodyguard, making him a very familiar face.
    She sat up, stretching her arms above her head until the joints popped. She slid out of bed, walked to the window, and pulled back the curtains. The snow-covered mountains around the Denver ski lodge were breathtaking. The morning sun reflected through the fluffy white clouds, creating long rays of light.
    A knock made her turn.
    “Sen? Are you awake?”
    “Coming.” She left the scenic view to open her bedroom door.
    Patti strolled into the suite—petite, blonde, and a live-wire business marketing major.
    Ksenia laughed. “Why are you so perky? You know we have to leave today.”
    “I know.” Patti waved a dismissive hand. “That cute banker, Bryan, who flirted with me all week asked for my number this morning.” High-pitched squealing commenced. Ksenia loved her friend to death, but the girl had a voice like a strangled toy poodle when excited.
    “You’ve already been downstairs?” She yawned.
    “I wanted to see Bryan one last time before we left. We ate breakfast together. You know, if you don’t hurry you will miss yours. It’s ten o’clock already…. When is the limo picking us up for the airport?”
    “Oh my God. Slow down.”
    Patti giggled and sat down on the edge of the bed. “Have you packed your suitcase?”
    Ksenia crawled up to lean against the headboard. “I did it last night.”
    “Well, you are the only one. Kate and Maria are packing now. I guess I better go put my stuff together as well.”
    “I’m going to get dressed and then meet you three in the dining hall. I have to get some coffee before we leave. Yuri said he would have the limo ready at eleven.”
    Patti jumped to her feet. “I better hurry. See you in a few.”
    Ksenia squinted. “ Da , okay.” The door clicked closed after Patti’s retreating figure.
    She sighed, sliding down onto the cream-colored comforter. Grabbing a pillow, she covered her face. I want to sleep more .
    Another knock sounded.
    “Sen?”
    “No, go away,” she growled from beneath the comforter and pillow. The pounding continued. Annoyed, she stalked over to the door, and swung it open.
    Maria Villanova stood in the hallway, dressed to the nines, suitcase at her feet, and a large cup of coffee in one hand. She was roommate number two—pre-law and always ready to make an impression.
    Ksenia took a deep breath, enjoying the soothing roasted aroma.
    “You are my favorite.” She smiled and reached for the cup.
    Maria pulled it back, shaking her head. “Oh no, mami , not ’til you get your little butt dressed.”
    “Fine, but give me that.”
    Her roommate reluctantly handed her the cup and followed her into the hotel room. Ksenia gave a satisfied moan of