Page 65 of Captive Union
CHAPTER19
Kira
Watching the last bit of effort leave Erik as he passes out in my lap makes me panic. I’ve never felt so scared.
“Erik,” I shout, shaking him.
“The doctor is on his way,” Nik informs me, dropping his phone from his ear. Elena pats his arm, showing her appreciation.
“Erik, please wake up.” His head rolls to the side, and I lean down to check his breath. He’s alive but barely.
Maxim crouches down next to me. “He’ll be fine. The doctor will be here soon.” He grimaces. “Erik … will be fine.”
“Thank you,” I breathe out. “I know how tough this is for you, but, Maxim, thank you.”
His lips quirk. “Well, I’ve always been a softie when it comes to you. It’s just hard. You’re my baby sister.”
“I’m not a baby any longer.”
“I know.” He nods at Erik. “He’s obviously hurt but not enough to kill him. I still had a couple more days planned.” I shoot him a look. “You can’t judge me for that. I thought I was protecting you, defending your honor.”
My body deflates. “I know.” I turn to Erik, resting my cheek on his head, listening to his shallow breathing.
It feels like hours when I hear the sound of footsteps racing down the stairs, followed by the doctor entering the room. I’m still wrapped around Nik. No one even tries to pull me away from him.
“Let me see him,” the doctor murmurs, crouching down. I back away, giving him space. He looks Erik over, then nods. “Some blood loss. I can fix him up. But I’ll need to take him back to the lab.”
Maxim nods at Alexei and Nik. “Help me get him into the car.”
I follow behind as the three of them carry Erik out of the basement and through the warehouse to Maxim’s car. I try to get in when Maxim stops me.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“It’ll be better if the doctor can focus on fixing him. You should go home.”
“Maxim, what did we just talk about?”
He smiles softly. “I know. And I’m not forcing you. But this will be easier if you let the doctor heal Erik. I promise I’ll call when he’s better.”
I eye him. “You’re not keeping us apart?”
“I promise. Now,” he nods at Elena. “make sure she gets home safe.” Then he gets in his car and drives away with my passed-out husband in the back seat.
Elena approaches and rubs my arm. “I believe Maxim. I don’t think he’s doing this to trick you. He doesn’t want to see you hurt.”
I sigh. “I know.”
“Come on. Let’s go home. You’ll be able to see Erik when he’s better.”
I follow Elena back to her car, and she takes us back to our family’s penthouse, where our mom is waiting for us. I should have figured, given how I left things before leaving.
The look on her face speaks of so much disappointment and anger. I’m not even in the living room yet when she starts speaking. “You don’t get to just walk off after insulting me, young lady.”
“Mom, I’m sorry if what I said sounded rude. But it was the truth. I’m tired of you constantly criticizing me.”
She scoffs. “I do not.”
Elena stands next to me. “Yes, Mom, you do. Kira was right when she said you’re just plain mean most of the time. She’s not going to stay with you any longer.”
