“Really?”
Nodding, I replied, “She needs you more than I do.”
Tears pooled in Sarah’s eyes. “You really want me to stay?”
“I do.”
“What about being worried about something happening to me because of your world?”
“I still am.” With a wink, I added, “That’s why I’m going to have a bodyguard stay to keep an eye on the house.”
“You don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, I do.”
She reached out to cup my cheek. “You really are the most decent underworld king I’ve ever met.”
I threw my head back with a laugh. “What a compliment.”
“I’m just calling it as I see it.”
“And I appreciate that.”
Creasing her brows with worry, Sarah asked, “What about your treatment?”
“It can wait until t-tomorrow.”
“But we’ve been trying so hard to accelerate it.”
“One day without t-treatment isn’t going to matter to me. But leaving tonight will matter a lot t-to your parents. And to you.”
To my surprise, Sarah leaned in and kissed my cheek. As she pulled away, she stared intently into my eyes. “Thanks, Maksim.”
“You’re welcome. If you need anything, I’m just a phone call away.”
She nodded. “I know.”
I patted her shoulder before walking through the foyer and out the front door. I’d almost made it to the car when I heard Sarah calling my name. Whirling around, I saw her come running out of the front door. I turned to walk back up the driveway to her.
“What are you d-doing?”
She stood there, wringing her hands and biting her lip. “Sarah?”
“I know I shouldn’t ask this of you, but…”
“But what?”
“Will you stay?”
I furrowed my brows. “Here at the house?”
She nodded. “But more with me.”
My heartbeat accelerated in my chest. “You want me to?”
“Yes, please.”
“Then of course I will.”
