Page 93 of Savage Truce

He shakes his head hard. “Don’t argue with me. It’s been a long day. I need to stay close to Andrei.”

“Okay.” My teeth worry my bottom lip, then I say, “I’ll bring you a home-cooked meal and clean clothes.”

“Thank you, moya krasavitsa.” He pulls me to a stop and leans down to give me a tender kiss. “Also bring a pair of my pajamas and extra toiletries for Andrei.”

I nod while hugging him and don’t let go as he tells Sergei, “Andrei is still critical, but we spoke, and that gives me hope that he’ll be okay.”

Sergei chuckles. “If he woke up to talk, he’s fine.”

“Take Anastasia home so she can rest,” he orders, then he adds, “Maybe you and Katya should stay in one of the guest rooms at my place for the next couple of days.”

“Of course,” Sergei agrees. “I’ll guard your family with my life. Don’t worry about them and just focus on Andrei.”

I kiss Rodian again before I pull away, and as I walk to the entrance, Katya wraps her arm around my lower back.

“Are you okay?” she asks.

Nodding, I sigh, “As okay as I can be.” A smile curves my lips as I look at her. “Thank you for today.”

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be. Friends stick together through thick and thin.”

Friends.

Giving her a sideways hug, I murmur, “Yeah, we do. By the way, I’m taking all your support as payment for the dress you want.”

Sergei drives us home, but before he’s even halfway, I drift off to sleep.

Rodian

“I’m going to kill you,” I growl at the stubborn fucker, as he once a-fucking-gain gets out of bed.

“Well, it’s either you or lying in this fucking room,” he mutters. “I’m taking my chances and leaving.”

“Oh, my God!” Anastasia gasps as she comes into the private hospital room. “Andrei Nikita Dragun, what do you think you’re doing?”

“I hate that you learned my full name,” he complains.

“I don’t care. Get back in bed right this instant!” my wife snaps, going all mom-mode on my best friend.

I have to admit, I love it, especially because he never argues with her and always listens to what she says.

“This is fucking torture.” He sits down on the side of the bed, his shoulders slumping and his breathing labored from the exercise.

I’d lose my mind too if I had to stay in this room.

“I’ll speak with Dr. Kravets. Maybe we can move you to the estate, and he can give you private care.”

Andrei’s head snaps up, hope filling his right eye. “I’d appreciate that a lot.”

“I’ll help take care of you,” Anastasia says as she gently nudges his uninjured shoulder. “Lie back. Your color doesn’t look good at all.”

“Make a fuss over your husband. I’m fine.”

She levels him with a scowl, which has him letting out a heavy sigh while he lies down.

“Christ, if this is what it’s like having a mother, I’m glad I dodged that bullet growing up.”

“You’re a pain in the ass patient,” she replies. “I pity the woman who ends up marrying you.”