“I know,” he replies. “And I will.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Maksim
I wake to the sensation of someone holding my hand.
For a moment, I don't remember where I am. The ceiling is too white, too clean. The beeping of monitors filters through the fog in my brain.
Then it all comes rushing back. The warehouse. The explosions. Roman's bullet tearing through my leg. The jump from the second floor with Kira's father.
I turn my head—carefully, because everything aches—and see her.
Kira is asleep in a chair beside my bed, her hand wrapped around mine. Her head is tilted at an awkward angle that's going to give her a terrible neck ache. Even exhausted and disheveled, she's beautiful. I have no idea what time it is, but it’s dark outside. She’s changed clothes and clearly showered. The last time I saw her, she was covered in cement dust.
I squeeze her hand gently.
Her eyes fly open immediately, that ice-blue gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that steals my breath.
"You're awake," she breathes.
"Apparently." My voice comes out rough, like I've been gargling gravel. "How long was I out?"
She rubs her eyes and then looks at the clock. “All day.” She sits up straighter, wincing as her neck protests. "You scared the hell out of me, Maksim."
"Sorry."
"Sorry?" Her voice rises. "You passed out from blood loss because you were too stubborn to get treated! You could have died!"
"But I didn't."
"That's not the point!" She's on her feet now. I see the fear beneath her anger. "You can't keep doing this. You can't keep throwing yourself into danger and expecting everything to be fine!"
"Kira—"
"I'm serious, Maksim. You're going to be a father. To twins. They need you alive." Her voice breaks. "I need you alive. So, if you ever pull that crap again, I swear to God I will kill you myself."
I can't help it—I smile. "There's the Ice Queen I fell in love with."
"Don't." She swipes at her eyes, frustrated by the tears. "Don't make jokes. This isn't funny."
"I know." I tug on her hand, pulling her closer. "Come here."
She hesitates, then sits on the edge of the bed. I shift over, ignoring the protests from my battered body, making room for her.
"I'm sorry," I say quietly. "You're right. I should have gotten treated sooner. But I needed to make sure you and the babies were okay first."
"The babies are fine. You heard the doctor."
"I know. Now." I bring her hand to my lips. "But I had to be sure. Had to see them on that screen."
Her expression softens slightly. "Two heartbeats."
"Two." The wonder of it still hasn't worn off. "We're having twins, Kira."
"I'm aware." She touches my face, her fingers gentle. "Which is why you need to take better care of yourself. They need their father."
"I will. I promise." I mean it this time. "No more heroics."
