Page 79 of Secret Husband
“When it comes up, it is not so boring. You will wait here.” He leaned over and put on the side table lamp.
I shielded my eyes. “Don’t look. I’m hideous.”
“Never, zhena.”
“What does that mean?”
“I will tell you later.” And then he was gone.
I took the opportunity to head to the bathroom, feeling my way across the floor like it was made of jam. The last thing I wanted was to ask for help using the little girl’s room, so I was glad that I managed to stay upright and was back in bed before he returned with a tray and a bowl of soup.
“I don’t understand why you’re here.”
“I texted Arkady to make sure he had talked to you.”
“I’ll have to call him and apologize.” I reached for my phone, but he grasped my arm gently.
“That can wait. He knows you were unavoidably detained. He will be available when you are recovered.”
I was supposed to be on call twenty-four seven for these kids. This wasn’t a good look.
I looked up at him as he settled the tray on my lap. “Jason let you in.”
“He would not give me the key. He insisted on accompanying me, but once he saw that you were still conscious, he gave me his blessing.” He frowned at me. “Why did you not call someone?”
“I didn’t want to bother anyone.”
He shook his head, all growly disapproval.
“Can you lift the spoon?”
“Yes, dearest.”
He passed it over and studied my movements, assessing for weakness. I managed to get a spoonful into my mouth, at which point I waited for my stomach to rebel. There was a disquieting lurch while I held my spoon frozen in mid-air, but nothing happened.
“Okay?” he asks.
“I think so.” I tried again, this time more confident in my ability to keep my intake from becoming an outtake. It tasted salty and good.
Alexei watched me like a hawk. “Does Brad know you are sick?”
I didn’t want to talk about my boyfriend. No guy was perfect. “I’m a grown woman with a touch of stomach flu, which you’re now going to catch.”
He snorted. “I am as strong as a cow.”
“An ox. But I like your take.” I offered a thin smile.
Alexei placed his palm on my forehead. It was cool and soothing. “You are still very warm. After this you will drink some water to hydrate, then return to sleep.”
“Yes, Doc.” A sudden thought struck me. “What about your dad? Who’s looking after him?”
“Maya, his nurse, was able to stay for a little longer. I was worried when you did not answer your phone. There may be some messages ready for your amusement later. You also should send a text to your co-workers.”
I passed the tray to him now that the soup was gone. Picking up my phone, I saw multiple notifications: Jason, Franky, Summer, Esme, and one from Thad, asking me how I was doing, but nothing from him in the last twenty-four hours.
Alexei beat them all in volume and intensity.
Are you okay? You missed the call with Arkady.
