Savannah isn’t the only one at my side. I don’t recognize the man, but he has his hand on her shoulder. Is that Anton?
“Good to see you awake,” the stranger says. “I’ll let the doctor know.”
“Thanks, Anton.” Dmitri puts his cup of coffee on the side table and comes toward my bed, his hand finding mine. “You gave us quite a scare.”
I nod and wince from the pain. It could be worse. My insides feel crushed, and my head throbs, but I’m alive.
“How bad is it?” I ask. I haven’t seen my reflection. Do I have scars from the bear attack?
“You’ve been out a couple of hours, but the doctors aren’t concerned. A few bruised ribs and a mild concussion.”
“That’s it?” My hands shake as I rest them on my lap.
“You were lucky that Savannah knew where you were. We took the four-wheeler to track you down and stop the bear from attacking you.”
“Did you kill it?” I ask. I can’t help but worry that the cubs won’t survive without their mama.
Savannah pats my arm. “You’re lucky to be alive. A few more seconds, and we wouldn’t be visiting you in the hospital.”
I exhale a sharp breath. I’m angry with him for lying to me and hiding his identity, but I can’t stay mad at him forever. He did save my life.
The doctor comes into the room and quickly examines me, ensuring I feel well. They want to keep me another day for observation.
The doctor leaves, and Savannah pulls Anton to follow. “We’ll give you two a minute.”
I’m not sure that I want to be alone with Dmitri. I’m torn between anger and love. It’s a strange feeling.
Dmitri sits in a nearby chair, pulling it closer to the bed. He reaches for my hand, but I pull away as quickly as he tries to touch me.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you who I worked for, but I didn’t want to involve you in anything dangerous.”
I huff under my breath. “That’s absurd,” I say. “I found you shot in the forest. I’m involved, Dmitri.”
His tongue darts out and swipes his top lip. “You are,” he admits, and expresses himself with a heavy sigh. “I want to keep you and Allie safe. From the mafia to wild animals in the forest. I can’t do that if you won’t let me near you.”
He glances down at my hands, and I allow him to touch me this time. It’s a simple gesture, not overly intimate.
Baby steps.
“I don’t plan on going into any more forests, ever again. I’m a city girl.” I want to fly back tonight. I miss my home and my bed. I never thought I’d feel safer in New York City than in a small town, probably because New York doesn’t have grizzlies.
I’m not sure I’ll be able to sleep without nightmares.
“I love you,Malishka. All this pretending to be a couple has made me realize that you’re the only woman I want in my life.”
“I’m a package deal. Allie and me.”
“Even better,” he says with a growing smile. “Does that mean you’ll take me back?”
It’s not that simple. He lied to me. Kept secrets. Why does he think I’ll eagerly jump back into his embrace? Sure, the sex was dynamite, and I enjoyed being around him, but that was before I discovered he worked for the bratva.
What else hasn’t he told me?
“I d-don’t—know,” I stammer. “You hurt me. Lying to me, you broke my trust.”
I half-expect him to defend himself. To tell me that it wasn’t a lie, it was an omission. “You’re right, Sadie. I’m sorry. I’ll do better. I won’t keep secrets from you.”
FOURTEEN