Page 137 of Sexting the Pakhan

Ruslan speaks from the table. “Can she be trusted?”

I turn to him. “She treats my children.”

“That is not what I asked.”

I scowl. “You’re not in any position to question my decision.”

“You were literally thinking the same thing just minutes ago,” he says, raising a brow. “Besides, I need to know who exactly I’m going to be treated by.”

Before I can say anything else, Karina says, “She can be trusted.”

Both of us look at her. Karina’s voice is firm, but there’s something under it. Something personal.

I narrow my eyes. “Why did you say it like that?”

Karina looks away and starts picking up the used towels from the counter. “Like what?”

“Like you know more than her clinic schedule.”

“This is not the time.”

I let out a short laugh. “Apparently nothing is the time tonight.”

Karina stops moving.

That’s when I remember.

The kindergarten. Her hand on my wrist.Zoya, there’s something you should know.

Before I can ask, the doorbell rings.

Karina checks the peephole. “It’s her.”

She opens the door. Dr. Mehra steps inside with a medical bag in her hand. She’s wearing a coat over casual clothes, her hair tied back. She looks tired, but alert.

Her eyes go to Karina first. “Are you hurt?” she asks.

Karina shakes her head. “No.”

Dr. Mehra looks at her for another second. “You’re sure?”

“I’m sure,” Karina says.

There’s something in the way they look at each other. I notice it, even with everything else happening.

Then Dr. Mehra sees Ruslan.

Her expression changes at once. She shuts the door behind her and walks to the kitchen table. “Move him closer to the light.”

Ruslan looks at her. “You’re Dr. Mehra?”

“Yes,” she says, opening her bag. “Can I ask what happened?”

“I’ll explain later,” Karina says quietly.

Karina helps me shift the chair while Dr. Mehra pulls on gloves. Ruslan doesn’t complain, but his jaw tightens when his leg moves.

Dr. Mehra cuts through the bandage and examines the wound. “When was he shot?” she asks.