Unbroken Dreams

By Katerina Julien

Prophetic dreams have been a part of twenty-eight year-old Kristina Oliver’s existence since she was a little girl but she has never been so frightened by their meaning until now...
During a business trip to Russia, Kristina literally bumps into the man who had melted her teenage heart while attending a European summer school nearly twelve years ago. Just like all those years back, Kristina is immediately drawn to the man she could not get out from her head for years after their forced separation. For his part, Alex Berg, the undeniably handsome and thoroughly witty Brit, appears thrilled to have met Kristina again. But as the reunited couple grows closer with each passing day, Kristina starts having nightmares so vivid, she is fearful that they may be a sign of some terrible events to come.
Upon learning the startling details of Alex’s business life, Kristina is emotionally torn. Feelings are put to the test just as an unknown rival of his starts plotting a scheme to destroy Alex’s life. With both of their lives at stake, can Alex reveal the identity of his enemy before it’s too late, or will Kristina’s dreams come true once again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katerina Julien
• Release date: Aug 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781465737762

Katerina Julien

Katerina Julien grew up in New York City and has had a passion for writing since junior high school. While Katerina initially wrote quite a bit of poetry, she was quickly pulled into the world of story-telling - thus, her debut novel, Unbroken Dreams, was born. Katerina works in the world of finance but tries to write whenever she has a free moment (usually, late into the night). Katerina loves to spend time with her family, eat sushi, read fiction books, attend Broadway shows and ballet performances, and play tennis.

Book preview

This is a work of fiction. References to real people, establishments, organizations, or locales are intended solely to provide a sense of authenticity, and are used fictitiously. All other characters, places and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Unbroken Dreams

Published by Katerina Julien at Smashwords

Copyright © 2011 Katerina Julien

ISBN: 1456317482

ISBN-13: 9781456317485

E-Book ISBN: 978-1-4392-8972-3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011907628

All rights reserved. No parts of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the prior written permission of the author.

www.katerinajulien.com

To my Mom, for your incredible support, love and friendship. I love you more than any words could ever express.

Those with the greatest awareness have the greatest nightmares.

- Mahatma Gandhi

CHAPTER ONE

I couldn’t believe that this scenery was real. Thousands of tiny glittering lights covered unending rows of centuries-old pine trees as our car made its way through what appeared to be an enchanted forest straight out of a classic fairy tale. It was still light outside, but with the sun descending for the day now it was impossible to pull away from the most beautiful picture of nature I had ever seen. I took it all in, wanting to commit the breathtaking view to memory for as long as possible. For a moment I had almost forgotten where I was, only to be reminded seconds later by the DJ of one of the local radio stations as he rambled something off in distinct Russian.

The perfect fairy tale image came crashing down in my head as quickly as it had appeared. Unfortunately, this country, with its steep crime rates, corrupted law enforcement officials and the overall mentality that anything could be bought for the right price, could probably be better described in terms of horror stories, not kid-friendly ones.

Yet I still looked forward to the evening ahead of me, as thoughts of it had been filling my head for the past forty-eight hours.

Of course, this wasn’t at all how I had envisioned my business trip to Moscow to go down. Of all the scenarios I could have run through in mind prior to leaving New York, driving for nearly an hour away from Moscow’s city center to attend the launch of an apparently posh new resort destination was never on the list of possibilities. In fact, considering that my colleague Dan Stein and I were here strictly on the hunt for private equity deals, I still didn’t understand how we had ended up in this situation. Then again, perhaps everything was just the sum of circumstances and I should have been grateful for the unexpected opportunity to see something a typical business traveler rarely gets a chance to experience.

Just two days prior, Dan and I had attended an alternative investment summit held at one of the city’s many hotels. I was still heavily jet-lagged from arriving the day before but tried my best to hold up and take notes on the latest developments in the global private equity arena. During our lunch break, I caught Dan deep in a lively conversation with a man in his early thirties. As I approached them, Dan introduced his companion as Fred Greenberg, a friend of his who he’d met during his MBA days at Columbia. After a brief chat about the state of private equity returns and the fund raising climate, our discussion shifted toward everyone’s plans for the upcoming weekend. Seeing that Dan and I didn’t have anything other than some sightseeing planned, Fred’s face lit up as he proceeded to invite us to the grand opening of a high-end resort in Moscow’s countryside. Apparently his brother had been the lead architect of the property and Fred had the ability to bring several guests with him. While taken by surprise initially, Dan and I accepted Fred’s offer without any hesitation given that neither of us had ever been to anything similar to this before. Plus, this seemed to be the perfect opportunity to meet some of the city’s business elite and perhaps even exchange a few business cards in the process.

So this is how I found myself staring at the lobby of the most impressive hotel I had ever seen in my life.

Although Fred had clearly stated that we were going to witness the unveiling of an upscale resort, I never expected to see a sight similar to that of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. After all, Moscow wasn’t a place I had ever associated with fancy resorts before. But from the moment we got out of the taxi and took the first steps toward the gigantic building next to the dancing fountains, I knew that I was going to experience something out of this world.

While the exterior left me on the verge of gasping in awe, the resort’s interior simply took my breath away. It was as if this place had been magically crafted by the wave of a wand belonging to someone with impeccable taste and true appreciation for remarkable elegance. It was beyond obvious that the designer behind the magnificent décor had taken some inspiration from the rooms of the Versailles Palace as everything from the painted ceilings to the precisely placed art pieces along the numerous museum-like hallways was all carefully chosen to rival the best luxury destinations in the world.

Dan seemed to be as impressed as I was and kept telling Fred that his brother and the others behind this grand creation were true masterminds. Fred easily agreed with Dan and promised to introduce his brother to us as soon as he saw him. The latter turned out to be a rather difficult task to accomplish as new guests kept arriving and the ballroom filled up more and more with each minute.

Sure enough, my phone started vibrating just before the CEO of the resort was about to take the stage. Jeez, I thought to myself, looking at the number on the screen – not surprisingly, it was my younger sister Julia calling. She always picked the best time to call and, and naturally, there was something very urgent in all of her calls that made it impossible not to answer. Knowing my sister, she was either going through another highly emotional break-up, was looking to switch jobs or has just had another fight with our parents (most likely, as a result of discussing the two previous issues). I motioned to Dan and got up, catching the disapproving glimpses of the other guests sitting at our table.

Of course, I was fully aware myself that it was completely unacceptable to be leaving the table right before the major speech of the evening. But my sister had trained me all too well – before she screwed up big time, I needed to hear her out and ensure that she wouldn’t do anything stupid. I had to call her back and would hopefully return back before the speech even started – after all, these things never start on time anyway.

As I made my way to one of the ballroom doors, I felt the stares of people on me. I was somewhat used to being looked at but it never stopped to amaze me because by no means did I consider myself anything more than pretty. I was content with my features but aside from my thick long blonde hair and care-free skin, there wasn’t anything striking about me. Unlike my sister, who was five foot-ten and gorgeous, and who has been modeling clothes ever since she could lift herself from the crib, I never even contemplated modeling (although I did get approached by different people from time to time, all urging me to become a model or actress or both). Somehow the whole modeling aspect just didn’t appeal to me (and I doubted how successful I could have been at it anyway – I was a good three inches shorter than Julia, and aside from Kate Moss, how many top models have you heard of with such height?). But in all seriousness, I viewed myself as a nerd and couldn’t see how a modeling path could overlap with all of the studying I did ever since my first day in kindergarten (well, maybe first grade). Modeling and I just seemed to be awfully self-excluding.

Once in the hallway, still surrounded by the glamour and hauteness of the amazing hotel, I speed-dialed Julia’s number.

Hello, she responded just as the first dial tone ended. Kris, is that you?

Her voice wasn’t at all hysterical but rather stable instead, which I took as a good sign and an indication that this wouldn’t be a long conversation hopefully.

Jules, dear, what’s going on? Do you know where I am right now? I tried to keep myself gathered and not scream at her. This better be good because I’m at a major function and missing the main speech of the evening, thanks to you.

Oh, sis, I’m so sorry. It’s just that Mom has been bugging me all morning, asking me to give you a call. She’s worried how you’re adjusting. You must be so jet-lagged still. Is everything okay with you?

Yeah, everything’s fine. I’m a bit tired of course, but that’s expected, right? Look, why don’t you put Mom on the line, she’s next to you, isn’t she?

Kristina, honey, how are you? my mom’s voice came on, sounding anxious. I could almost picture her face flushing at the thought that she had pulled me away from something important. I’m so sorry that I asked Julia to call you now, I know you said that you were going to be at that event tonight. I just wanted to make sure that everything is going fine for you there. You haven’t been away from us in a long time, so it just makes my heart a little uneasy. And the fact that you’re so far away from us, well…Are you really okay?

I tried to put on my most positive voice to ensure that my response would leave Mom satisfied at least until tomorrow when I had a little more time to chat with her.

Mom, everything’s great. I’m at a wonderful event right now about an hour away from Moscow’s city center. It’s incredible how beautiful this place is, just amazing. You would fall completely in love with it.

Kristy, I’m so glad to hear that, Mom said, her voice still laced with concern but thankfully a lot less stressed than when she initially came on the line. I hope you’ll enjoy yourself but please be careful, it’s a foreign country and you’re quite an attractive girl.

I had to put her worries to rest and hopefully do this as quickly as possible.

Mom, my colleague Dan is here, so don’t worry about me being alone, I said. I promise to stay away from trouble and get back to my hotel at a decent time. I’m truly fine, Mom. But I really need to get back to the ballroom, the main speaker is supposed to go on stage any minute now.

All right, honey, I’ll let you go then, Mom said. Just stay safe, will you?

She sent me a kiss over the phone and after several more goodbyes were exchanged, I finally hung up.

I hurried down the hall and initially got confused as to which door I had come from earlier. There were at least five entrances all close to each other. The ballroom was so huge that I didn’t want to risk going through the entire room in search of the table I was sitting at. After some hesitation, I settled on the door which seemed to be the correct one and reached toward it. Just at that moment, the door flew open itself, nearly hitting me.

I’m so sorry about that, a man’s voice came from the door, just as I stumbled back, trying not to trip over my long dress. One more second, and I would have certainly been on the floor had it not been for someone’s strong grasp which caught me just as I was about to lose my balance completely.

Thank you, I said as soon as I was back on my feet, hurrying to fix my dress.

I really am awfully sorry, I should have opened the door more slowly, the man spoke again, a very slight British accent in his voice, just as I was looking myself over.

Slowly, I lifted my eyes to face the person who I should either have blamed for this incident or thanked for catching me. And suddenly, I felt like I was losing my balance all over again. A thousand emotions sped through my head.

It couldn’t be, no, there was no way on Earth that it was…

My thought process was interrupted by the words that came at me next.

Kristina, is that you? the man standing in front of me asked, his eyes widening with disbelief and staring straight into mine. A huge smile came over his entire face, and before I could even respond, he was hugging me, pressing my body into a tight embrace, nearly causing me to lose my breath in the process from the closeness and all the emotions eating at my very core.

It really is you, I can’t believe it! he gushed as he finally let me go.

I stood there like a complete idiot, unable to say anything. Emotions were flying through my entire body, memories from what seemed to be ages ago coming to mind so vividly that I didn’t know how to react and what to say or do next. I continued to stare at him as if he was one of the many sculptures decorating the hotel. He was as gorgeous looking as the last time I saw him over twelve years ago, his features more refined and masculine then his seventeen-year-old self back then. Dressed in an expertly-tailored black suit, his six-foot-two athletic frame towered above me. With his lips spread in a captivating smile, his deep blue eyes seemed to be searching my face, waiting for me to finally say something. But I couldn’t bring myself to utter a single word. After all these years, my body still had the same uncontrollable reaction to Alex Berg – my pulse quickened to a frantic pace, blood rushed to my face and my eyes couldn’t tear away from the sinfully beautiful features of his face that no other man I had ever known possessed.

Alex spoke again then, bringing me out of my embarrassing stupor.

Kristina, are you all right? Did I actually hit you? Oh God, I’m so sorry. Maybe I should call for a doctor?

The word doctor must have been my wake up call because I instantly spoke up.

Oh, no, no doctors, please. I’m fine, really. Alex, forgive me, I just never expected to see you here.

Or anywhere else, for that matter, I thought to myself automatically.

He graced me with another affectionate smile, looking straight at me with his tantalizing ocean-blue eyes.

I know, it’s pretty amazing, isn’t it? I mean, how many years has it been? Ten or eleven since we last spoke?

Over eleven now, I replied, words coming out of my mouth without much thought.

As I said that, the door behind us started to open again and Alex gently put his arm over my shoulder, moving me to the side.

Why don’t we get out of here? Alex said, suddenly sounding excited and yet nervous at the same time. It looks like we have so much to catch up on and I’d love to hear all about you. God, I still can’t believe it’s been eleven years!

Uh, well, I mumbled, trying to conjure some silly excuse not to be one-on-one with Alex as my mind raced frantically. I don’t know if that’s a good idea. My colleague is expecting me back in the ballroom, and I was looking forward to hearing the CEO talk about this place.

Sorry, but the CEO’s already done with the speech, he said, flashing his smile again. Was ten minutes max, but you didn’t really miss much, I can give you a personal re-cap, if you’d like.

I, um, I don’t know, I hesitated again.

Come on, it’ll be fun catching up after all this time, Alex urged me on. Look, let’s go get some dinner and then I promise to bring you straight to your hotel.

I still couldn’t quite comprehend that Alex was standing next to me. And in Moscow, of all the places! The rational part of me wanted to politely decline the invitation and return back to the ballroom. The proper thing to do was to propose to meet in the city for lunch during the next several days and leave it at that. This was probably what most people would have done in my place. But I wasn’t most people and the typically predominant rational side of my brain had obviously shut down the second I saw Alex. I felt the unmistakable pull toward him that I had experienced so many times before when I was next to him, my body itching to be closer to his the second his fingers touched the small of my back while the door behind us was pushed open. Perhaps this would turn out to be a huge mistake but at that moment nothing felt more right than the decision I finally reached.

Okay, you’ve convinced me, I said at last. Let me just tell my colleague that I’m leaving and I’ll be right back.

Great, I’ll call for the valet to get the car. Hurry back, I’ll be waiting, he said, throwing another glance my way as I walked into the ballroom.

I found the table fairly quickly and saw that Dan was engrossed in a conversation with two women from our table. My apologies, I said as I approached them. Dan, I think I’m going to call it a night, I’m not feeling too great. Will you be all right without me?

I felt horrible for making up an excuse but knew that Dan wouldn’t let me go easily otherwise.

Are you okay? Should I call a cab for you? And are you fine going back on your own? Dan asked, a slight wave of concern crossing his face.

Oh, no worries, it’s nothing serious, really. You stay and enjoy yourself, and we’ll touch base tomorrow, I said and waved good bye.

Stay safe, will you? he half-asked, repeating my mom’s words, unease still present in his voice.

I promise, I assured him and hurried back toward the exit.

CHAPTER TWO

As I stepped into the hallway, I heard the last bit of Alex’s conversation before he hung up on his phone. His face appeared to be very focused as he seemed to be giving some sort of instructions to the person on the other line. …yes, that’s fine. No, I need to leave. I’m sure you can handle it, you’re a smart boy. Look, no one will even notice, trust me. Alex paused, seeing me next to him now. I think you’ll do just fine, honestly. I have to go now, but call me if anything urgent comes up.

He turned to me and smiled again, his face completely relaxed now. Well, that was fast! The car should be waiting outside already. Shall we? Alex said and gestured for me to follow him.

We walked down a long corridor for what seemed to be at least five minutes until I saw the receptionist desk and the main hotel exit next to it. I noticed that the concierge smiled widely and said Good night in a very friendly voice as we walked past her.

Have a good night, too, Alex responded with a quick look toward her and hurried me toward the glass doors.

Did she blush? I thought of the receptionist’s reaction for a second. No, I must be really tired and seeing things – why would a receptionist have the slightest care for the guests that came and went, aside from professional courtesy of course?

Once outside, I could feel the gentle breeze of the late June evening surrounding us. The resort was now fully illuminated and looked more like a sprawling European castle than a contemporary building, with its beautiful stone façade, numerous small balconies and delicate archways. Majestic was the only work to describe this place but even that wouldn’t do it proper justice.

A black Audi A8 sedan stopped at the cul de sac near the hotel lobby then and a young man exited from it and hurried toward us.

Have a good night, sir, the valet said as he handed the keys to Alex. Drive safely.

Thanks, Alex responded, a tip quickly extended from his hand toward the man.

Thank you, sir, the valet said before disappearing into the night.

Alex sped off as soon as he got into the driver’s seat. Classical music filled the cabin – a piece I didn’t recognize, and yet it made me relax instantly. I needed a distraction from Alex’s proximity and so I tried to focus on the calming sounds coming from the speakers. This seemed to work well until I felt Alex’s gaze shifting from the road toward me.

It’s really great to see you, Alex said.

My heart immediately fluttered in response.

Yeah, you too, I replied, trying to keep the anxiety in my voice at bay. I never expected to bump into you like this.

Same here, he said. This was definitely a surprise, though a very pleasant one of course.

Sitting next to Alex still seemed so unreal to me, and