I wrap my arms around her, pulling her against me, holding her tight. Her body shakes. Her face presses into my shoulder. Her breath comes fast and uneven.
My voice comes out rough. "I'm here."
She clutches me harder, fingers digging into my back like she's afraid I'll vanish if she loosens her grip. I hold her until the tremor in her body eases just enough to breathe again.
"I thought he killed you," she whispers.
"I know. But I'm fine," I assure her.
She pulls back just enough to search my face, eyes darting to mycheek, my wrists, the tension still locked in my shoulders. "What did he do to you?"
I hesitate, then claim, "Nothing. I'm fine."
Her jaw tightens. She jerks her head toward Maksim. "What did he do to him?"
Maksim deadpans, "You told me to bring him back. I have. I can't be responsible for things that occur when I am not there."
"I'm fine," I reassert.
"You aren't," she claims.
"I am. I'm here. With you," I state and tug her into me.
Her breath shudders. "I couldn't lose you."
I caress her hair. "You didn't."
The woman clears her throat gently.
Maksim steps closer, his presence impossible to ignore.
"Sit," he says, not unkindly but firmly.
Blue hesitates, then nods, letting me guide her to the sofa. She stays pressed against my side, her hand sliding into mine.
I lace our fingers together and sit.
Maksim stands in front of us, arms crossed. "This situation is not resolved. It is contained. You will need to sort this out with your father."
Blue stiffens. "He better not touch him again!"
Maksim reiterates, "You need to work this out."
Blue's shoulders sag, and she leans harder into me.
Maksim's gaze shifts to me. "You will stay here tonight. You will not leave this building without my knowledge."
Blue shrieks, "Is my father going to try to kidnap him again?"
Maksim shakes his head. "No. But best to let things cool off under my watch. Don't you agree, Dr.?"
I affirm, "Yes. That sounds best."
He says to Blue, "And you will rest."
She bristles. "I'm not a child."
He smiles. "No. But you are pregnant and exhausted."
