Just then, my phone rang, and Pyotr’s voice faded as I pulled it out and saw Wexler's name on the screen.
“Wexler, what’s wrong?” I stepped out of the room, already making my way down the hallway.
“It’s Mrs. Safin,” he said quickly. “We were about to leave for campus when she passed out. She’s in her room, she’s got a fever, sir.”
“Call Dr. Decker. I’m on my way.” I hung up.
Ria Decker was one of the best doctors in our clinics. Jaroslav had personally hired her during Vera's difficult pregnancy. Not only had she handled Vera’s pregnancy with exceptional care, but most importantly, she could be trusted.
“Everything okay with Sienna?” Marten asked behind me.
For a big guy, Marten had mastered the art of sneaking up on others.
“I’m not sure,” I admitted, turning to face him. “She’s been down with the flu these past few days.”
“You think it's just the flu, or could it be more?”
“We haven't even…” I began to blurt out, then stopped.
Marten's expression was still unreadable.
“I'm sure it's just the flu.”
Marten nodded. “Keep me updated.”
“I will.”
I jogged to my car, hopped in, and sped out of the parking lot. Buildings blurred past as I raced home. This was my fault. I knew she wasn’t feeling well, yet instead of getting her a damn doctor, I kept avoiding her because I felt like an idiot for sharing so much of myself after my family had left our house that night. I’d been raw, and I’d let my vulnerability show. I couldn’t afford for that to happen, not around Sienna. Not after what I did to her. Vulnerability in our world usually comes with a cost: death.
Ten minutes later, I was taking the stairs two at a time to her room. Wexler stood outside, her door open, as Sienna lay still on her bed.
“Has she woken up since?” I asked.
“No, sir.”
Shit.
“And Dr. Decker?”
“She’ll be here soon.”
“Go look out for her. As soon as she arrives, bring her up.”
“Yes, sir.”
Wexler headed downstairs, and I went straight to Sienna’s side. When I sat on the edge of the bed, she didn’t even stir. I brushed a strand of hair behind her ear and felt the heat radiating off her skin, despite the cranked-up AC unit.
“What are you doing to me, Sienna,” I whispered.
I leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“Avit…” she breathed softly.
My name on her lips like that rattled something loose in me. The fact that she was out cold, yet knew I was there. Did it mean her feelings towards me were changing?
A knock on the door shoved my thoughts aside. I turned to see Dr. Decker standing there. I rose to my feet.
“Dr. Decker. Thank you for coming on such short notice.”
