Sondra looks over from the water, surprised at my raised voice. I’m sure she doesn’t often hear anyone speak that way to Nico. He’s the type who rules his casino with an iron fist, slaying errant employees with just a look.
Right now he’s giving me the totally unapologetic, I do what I want because I’m in charge face.
I glower at him, but it’s not really the fact that he read the letter. It’s the effect of holding a letter from Vlad in my hand that has my emotions swirling. I stand up and gather my things, shoving the letter in my purse. No way I’m reading it with him sitting there studying me, even if he already knows what it says.
“Okay,” Nico says, also standing. “If you need to see him, we’ll arrange it. You know, for closure or whatever.”
I go still, considering this offer.
Closure. I’m definitely missing closure.
But I’m not sure that’s even what I want.
But yeah, the mere suggestion of seeing Vlad again has my heart racing.
I swallow and nod. “Okay, thanks.” Suddenly sorry for my outburst, I lean over for a cheek kiss. “Good night, Nico.”
“It’s not bedtime,” he observes.
“I’m going to tutor Mika, he should just be waking up.” I look at my phone. “I’ll call down for dinner.”
“All right. Make sure you do,” he calls to my retreating back. “I see you didn’t touch this salad.”
I roll my eyes. “I already have one mother, don’t need another,” I call back.
I take the elevator to my floor and let myself in the room. I pull out the letter and hold it with trembling fingers.
But I’m not ready to open it. Because once I’ve read it, it will be over. My only contact with Vlad.
And I don’t want it to be over.
So I slip the unread letter under my pillow to read before I go to bed, then order a burger and fries from room service.
Mika video calls me right at 7:30 p.m.—6:30 a.m. his time. He must set his alarm to wake up early enough for this. It’s very sweet.
The whole time we’ve been talking, we’ve stuck to his studies. I don’t mention Vlad. He doesn’t mention Vlad. I guess I feel like hearing anything would kill me.
Tonight, it feels different, though. Now that Nico opened the floodgates by bringing him up. Bringing me the letter.
Now that Vlad is fresh in my mind and the idea of seeing him is dangling in front of me.
“Hey, Mika,” I greet him, sitting down at my desk and adjusting the laptop screen to see him. His hair is rumpled and he still looks sleepy. “I graded your homework and sent it back to you. Open it up and we’ll go through it together.”
He clicks around on the computer and then nods when he’s ready.
I go through his English lesson, then math and science.
“Mika?” I ask when we’re through.
“Da?”
I rub my lips together, my heart starting to drum again. “How is Vlad?” My voice sounds strangled.
To my horror, Mika’s face turns haunted. He shakes his head. “Not good.”
I sit forward. “What do you mean not good?”
He shrugs, like usual. “Not good. He…” He glances toward the door. When he turns back, he screws his face up. “He’s had trouble—since the surgery.” He motions to his back. “It didn’t heal right. He’s pretty sick.”
“What? Christ, Mika, why didn’t you tell me this sooner?” My blood slams through my veins double-time. “Oh my God, has he been to the doctors? What are they doing for him?”
Mika appears slightly alarmed by my reaction. “Well… I don’t know exactly.”
“Of course you don’t.” I tap my lips. “Where is he now? At home? Are you in Volgograd?” It’s a stupid question. I know they’re in Volgograd because I can see Mika’s room in the background. I’m just in panic mode now.
“Yes. I think maybe you should come,” Mika says. “Take care of him until he gets better. I mean, if you are well now.”
My nose burns. “Yeah, I’m better. I’m much better, actually.” I can’t believe Vlad is suffering because he gave his kidney to me. The thought horrifies me. All this time I thought he hadn’t contacted me because he was through with me. Like he always said he would be eventually. Or because he wanted to grant me the freedom I continuously demanded. Not because he was unwell. Because he had complications as a result of saving my life.
Jesus.
“Okay, Mika. I’m going to look into coming out there. Don’t say anything to Vlad, okay?” I know all about alpha males not wanting to show weakness. He probably wouldn’t want me to see him like that.
Mika appears greatly relieved. He nods quickly. “I won’t. Will you really come? When?”
“I don’t know. I’ll look into it now and get back to you. Remember—don’t say anything.”
“I won’t,” Mika swears.