Meeting Viktor (4)

Adriana's POV

My eyes fluttered open, disoriented. My tiny Chicago apartment? Nope, way past that. Canada, searching for that elusive photographer. Stump River, rented cabin, then… oh crap. I bolted upright, a groan escaping my lips as my head throbbed in protest.

"Hold on there, tiger," a deep, sexy husky voice rumbled from the side. I swiveled my head, wincing at the sharp pain that shot through it.

"Ow!" My head screamed again, forcing me to cradle it in my hands, elbows propped on shaky knees.

Holding it up felt like a monumental effort. Memories of the events leading to my current throbbing discomfort flooded back, sending a jolt of fear through me. A quick body scan revealed only a throbbing head, relief washing over me.

"See? I told you to take it easy." The voice chuckled dryly, instantly sparking irritation. This jerk, whoever he was, found my pain amusing? Squinting through the ache, I tried to make out the figure across the room.

Unfortunately, the harsh sunlight st