“Mr. Safin, not a problem. I’m just doing my job. Wexler told me what happened. Can you tell me if you noticed any other symptoms?” she asked as she approached the bed.
I ran a hand through my hair. “Honestly? I don’t know. She said everyone on campus has the flu. A few days ago, she got some medication, and she’s been using that.”
“I’m sure it’s just the flu. Add studying on top of it, and she’s probably exhausted.”
Added to helping me track down whoever her father is supplying, moving in here, and me turning her whole damn world upside down, exhausted was probably an understatement.
After checking Sienna’s vitals, Dr. Decker looked at me. “I’d like to take a few blood samples, just to make sure I didn’t overlook anything.”
“Sure. No problem.”
She drew the blood, then took out medication from her bag and wrote instructions on the labels.
“Her lungs and chest are clear. Ensure she eats, takes her medication and gets plenty of rest. I’ll have the blood work results to you by this evening. And if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.”
“Thank you, Dr. Decker.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll see myself out.”
I nodded. As Dr. Decker made her way out, I pulled out my phone and called Mariya.
“Hey, Avit. What do you need?” she answered immediately.
“Why do you think I need something?”
“Because if you wanted to check in and catch up, you’d be standing in front of me. And if you were running late, you’d text. So what do you need?”
“Sienna’s sick. Do you think you could come during the day and stay with her? At least for a few days?” I added quickly, “But if you’re busy or worried about catching the flu, I’ll understand.”
“Don’t be silly, Avit. I’m never too busy when my siblings need me. I’ll be there in an hour.”
“Thanks, Mariya.”
“No problem.”
I ended the call. I needed Mariya’s help because Sienna was getting under my damn skin, and I couldn’t be around her more than necessary.
She was too young for me. She had her entire life ahead of her. A bright future where she could become anything she wanted. Why would she ever tie herself to a man like me—an asshole, a criminal, a Safin?
Instead of sitting beside her bed again, I stayed by the door and waited for Mariya.
My mind drifted back to when I found Sienna with Jasper. I’d turned that moment over and over in my head. Jasperwas a manipulative bastard; there was no way Sienna would willingly talk to him, not when she knew it would piss me off, not when she still cared for her old man despite everything he’d put her through.
But even knowing that, I’d used it as an excuse. An excuse to keep my distance from her. I couldn't help but feel guilty that her deteriorating health was my fault. I would’ve called Dr. Decker long before today if my head wasn't stuck up my ass. One thing I knew was that I'd never let something like this happen again.
By the time Mariya arrived, I was outside Sienna’s room with Wexler, giving him a list of things to pick up: fruits, vegetables, anything Sienna might need.
It wasn’t until Mariya stopped in front of me that it hit me: my siblings thought I was happily married.
So how the hell was I going to explain why Sienna and I were sleeping in separate rooms?
I wrapped my arms around Mariya as Wexler stepped aside to leave.
“Thanks again for coming.”
“No problem.” She glanced toward Sienna’s room. “Did a doctor see her already?”
“Yeah, Dr. Decker examined her. She needs to rest, eat, and take her medication. But knowing her, she’ll want to study. Don’t let her overdo it.”
