Maksim’s expression grew serious. “I told you last night I would stay.”
Nodding, I replied, “It’s just…”
“What?”
I exhaled a breath with a shudder. “Last night was fucking intense.”
He tenderly brushed a strand of hair out of my face. “It was, but I’ve seen worse. I’ve experienced worse.”
With a smile, I countered, “It’s not a trauma pissing contest, Maksim.”
He grinned. “It’s not my intention to outdo you. I just want you to understand that you’re not alone in having a complicated life that causes you to distrust people.”
“I’m not one to share my private life with a lot of people, least of all men.”
“I knew how p-private you were when you told me you didn’t bring men around Sammy.”
“Until you, it’s only been my three best friends that I really let in.”
He gave me a tender smile. “It means so much t-to that you trust me t-that much.”
“And I do trust you. It wasn’t just about the shitshow with Silas that I was worried about.” Not wanting to say it out-loud, I traced one of the tattoos along his neck with my finger.
“You mean what you told me about you and my associate?”
I flicked her eyes up to his. “I’ve never even asked his real name, nor have you ever said it.”
“It wasn’t b-because of any subterfuge. I just didn’t want to give a real name to your abductor.”
With a shake of my head, I replied, “Deep down, I think that’s why I never wanted to know it. In the end, it was just easier to address him as what I called him at the hunt.”
“You still d-don’t need to know his name. Just know that he’s g-gone, and he won’t be back.”
After his statement, Maksim stared intently at me for my reaction. “I’m glad.”
Bringing his fingers to my chin, I tipped her face up. “You thought I would run because of someone you fucked in the past?”
“Yeah, I did.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Sarah.”
“I could understand if you did. I’ve been tainted by one of your men.”
With a growl, he rolled his eyes. “That’s a b-bunch of misogynistic b-bullshit.”
“Is it though?”
“Yeah, it fucking is.’
“But why?”
“Because I care about you. Like I said last night, I want t-to see where this could go. I’ve wanted t-that since the moment I saw your picture when I was searching for a d-doctor.”
My brows popped in surprise. “That long?”
“Absolutely.”
“And then I went and refused to treat you.”
