Page 72 of Merciless Union
“Maxim,” she says, rushing to my side. I stand up, confused as to why she’s here. One of our guards follows her. “Maxim, is he all right?”
I look between my sister and the guard. “You came down here? Why?”
She clutches my arms. “Just tell me. Is Nik all right?”
“He’s in surgery right now.” I eye her. “Why did you come here?” I pause. “It’s not … because you care for Nik, is it?”
She steps back. “No,” she responds, her tone indulgent. “I just thought it was the courteous thing to do. He’s been your friend for years. And now he’s your right hand. It’s only appropriate of me to see how he’s doing.”
“Good. I didn’t think you cared for him at all. But thank you for showing your … respects.”
She shrugs. “It was the least I could do.” She turns her nose up, acting more like the Elena I know.
After another hour, during which Elena sits by me and refuses to leave, the doctor finally comes out and gives us news.
“He’s all right. But we’re moving him into a room to spend the next few nights under observation to make sure he’s doing all right. Right now, he’s sleeping. He won’t be awake for hours, so I suggest you come back another time.”
As the doctor walks off, so does Elena.
“You’re not staying?” I ask.
She pauses, shooting me a look. “Why would I? Nik is doing better. No need for me to stay.” She motions for her guard to follow her, then walks away.
George stands, groaning. “I’m going home to rest. Call me about any updates.”
“I will.”
Then there was me. The thought of almost losing Nik puts things in perspective for me.
I don’t want to lose my wife either.
I rush out of the hospital, ready to get home and show her that I’m not risking anything any longer. I want her. All of her.
And if that’s love, so be it.
CHAPTER17
Arina
Imarvel at my painting. Maxim’s face is staring back at me. It’s taken me a week to finish, and now, here it is. I know Maxim is anxious to see it, but I’m also anxious for him to view it. What if he hates it?
I stand up and start pacing. Maxim called earlier and explained that he and Stepan had a shootout at his bar and that Nik was hit. I haven’t really spent any time with Nik, but I know how close Maxim is to him, and it hurts me to know my husband is in pain right now.
And deep down, I’m glad it wasn’t Maxim who was shot.
We’ve had our differences since we got married, but I’m starting to care for my husband, and I don’t want to lose him anytime soon.
I do know what it’s like to lose a best friend. When my mother passed, I lost my mom and my best friend that day.
Maxim wasn’t upset over his father’s death, but he will be if Nik doesn’t make it, and I don’t want to see how Maxim responds to losing someone he actually cares about.
I keep pacing all over the penthouse, going from room to room, anxious for any news concerning Nik.
When the front door opens, I finally stop walking.
Maxim enters, abruptly stopping once he sees me.
Our eyes meet, a growing tension building between us. He looks ragged, covered in blood.
