Page 25 of The Enemy Protector
“That doesn’t make me feel better.”
Gregor is quiet for a moment. Then he leans forward, elbows on his knees. “This wasn’t an accident, Sofia. You know that.”
“I know.”
“This was a hit. Someone tried to kill you.”
I replay it in my mind for the hundredth time. The deliberate acceleration. This wasn’t some drunk driver or distracted teenager. This was calculated.
“Second attempt in a week,” I say.
“I know.”
“Are we having trouble?” I ask.
Gregor shrugs. “No more than usual.”
“I need to talk to my father.”
“Already knows. I called him before I came here.”
Of course he did. My father will be furious. Not because his daughter was almost killed—though I’m sure there’s some paternal concern buried deep—but because it happened under the watch of his men. It reflects poorly on his operation. It shows weakness.
“What did he say?”
“He wants you home. Immediately.”
I shake my head. “I’m not leaving until I know Anton is okay.”
“Sofia—“
“I’m not leaving.”
Gregor studies my face, then nods once. He doesn’t argue. He knows me well enough to know when I’ve made up my mind.
We sit in silence. I watch the clock on the wall. Time moves differently in hospitals. It crawls. Every minute feels like an hour, but somehow two hours pass before a doctor finally emerges.
“Family of Anton Magnuson?”
I’m on my feet before the doctor finishes the sentence. Gregor is right behind me.
“I’m Sofia Baranova. He’s my bodyguard.”
The doctor looks between us, probably trying to figure out the relationship. “He’s out of surgery. He has a fractured leg, three broken ribs, and a severe concussion. He’s lucky to be alive.”
Lucky. I think about Anton throwing me out of the path of that SUV. He didn’t have time to think. He just acted. He chose to take the hit meant for me.
“Can I see him?”
“He’s in recovery. He won’t be awake for a few hours. You’re welcome to wait. “
“I’ll wait.”
The doctor nods and disappears back through the double doors.
I sink back into the chair. My hands are still shaking. I press them flat against my thighs.
“Sofia.” Gregor’s voice is gentle. “You should go home. Get some rest. I’ll stay with him.”
