“Almost done, princess.”
I nodded.
He wrapped the white gauze around me and tapped it.
His fingers moved gently across the bandage, and I could only sit there while he tried to gather his thoughts.
“I can’t believe you jumped in front of the fucking bullet. What the hell were you thinking? Why would you do something like that?” he asked, a hard edge to his voice.
Indignation moved through me. I didn’t just jump in front of the bullet for nothing.
I let out a small huff of air.
“Because I love you, stupid.”
His fingers froze. I stiffened.
Fuck.
Did I say that out loud?
I had never spoken to Nikolay before. I’d talked to Damien and Mikhail, but Nikolay had always made me feel on edge. I didn’t think I would be comfortable speaking to him so soon, and before I talked to Damien and Mikhail, I hadn’t said a word to anyone for thirteen long years.
Not since I witnessed my father put a bullet in my mom.
I swallowed, unsure of what I should do next.
I had expected nausea, like how I had felt before when I tried to speak after that incident.
Surprisingly, I felt … nothing.
His shocked eyes moved to me, and for the first time, Nikolay was the one without speech.
His mouth opened, but nothing came out.
My heart raced.
Perhaps I should learn to control myself better.
I had shown my cards to the monster, and even after all that had happened, I was still afraid he might use that against me.
I shifted on the bed, crossing my arms over my naked chest.
He closed his mouth, then opened it again.
I tried to get off the bed, but he stopped me by placing a heavy hand on my shoulder.
“What the hell did you just say?” he finally spoke, his voice coming out in a rasp. “Did you just …”
His jaw clenched.
Was he angry with me?
I shifted again, my eyes moving to the shirt he threw on the floor moments before—out of my reach.
I wished I wasn’t in just the trackpants.
I bit my lip, then opened my mouth. My heart pounded in my chest, but though it didn’t feel as natural as talking to Damien or easy as talking to Mikhail, I knew I wouldn’t be sick talking to him.