His (Ties That Bind #2) - Natasha Knight Page 0,52

comforting and odd. I’ve only known the man a short while, but it’s become clear to me that his strong, steady presence is that of a father figure. He was a father before he ever knew it. And I think in some strange way, he is the father figure I’d been looking for in Vasily for half of my life.

One thing I can’t regret is bringing him and Kat together. While I’ve been sitting here, feeling helpless, he’s called every specialist on the East Coast to ensure Kat’s getting the best possible treatment. Some have shown up personally while others review her medical chart from wherever they are and offer their opinions. But even though I don’t doubt Gleb has assembled the best medical team in the nation, it doesn’t change anything. Time. That’s all they keep telling us. She just needs time.

“When this is over…” His voice stirs me from my thoughts. “I want you to get her out of this world, Lev. I don’t want this life for her.”

I meet his gaze, the certainty in his tone a comfort I haven’t known before. When this is over. Not if.

“I did what I set out to do,” I answer. “I’m done. When I bring Kat home, I’m going to be the most boring fuck she’s ever met in her life. I’ll put on a polo, go to work, whatever it takes. I don’t care. I’m leaving this chapter behind, and she’s coming with me.”

“Good.” Gleb nods. “But don’t go too far, okay? I just met her. I want to see you guys around, maybe even watch my grandkids grow up. It would be a nice change of pace for me.”

“I’ll have to talk to Kat.” My voice is thick. “But I think she’d like that too.”

“You should eat something,” he grunts. “Or go take a shower. It won’t do her any good to wake up and find you looking like hell.”

“I can’t leave her.” I swallow. “Not until I know she’s okay.”

“It’s going to take time,” he says. “Remember what the doctors said?”

I do. They told us that Kat is unconscious, but she will likely have glimpses of awareness of her surroundings. She’ll dream a lot and try to make sense of things in her own mind. And it’s very likely that she’ll hear us on occasion, so I’ve made it a point to tell her every day to focus on getting better. Not to worry. And I know Gleb is right. If she’s in there, listening to us like they say, she’s probably yelling at me for not doing better. Taking care of myself. Going to see Josh. I’m failing at everything, and it’s ripping my fucking heart out.

“I’m going to go grab a cup of coffee,” I tell Gleb to appease him. “And call Josh.”

He nods, and I disappear into the void of the hallway. The scent of disinfectant and crappy hospital food burns my nostrils as my shoes squeak across the floor. When I get to the cafeteria and grab a coffee, the lady at the register offers me a sympathetic smile. She’s seen me every day for the past week.

“One of these days, you should try the food too, ,” she suggests. “I hear it’s quite the novelty.”

“Thanks.” I nod. “I’ll think about it.”

I take a seat by the window and pull the lid off my cup, letting the steam billow out while I grab my phone and pull up Maxim’s number. I’ve never been more grateful for the old man in my entire life. If he wasn’t with Josh right now, I don’t even know how I’d be able to stay with Kat.

“Hey,” he answers on the second ring. “The sun is out. I’m hoping that means there’s good news today.”

“Not yet,” I tell him. “How’s everything going there?”

“We’re doing just fine,” he answers. “Josh is running me ragged, but it’s good for an old man to be young at heart again. You want to talk to the little fella?”

“Please.”

He pulls up the video chat, something Josh had to show him how to do, and I force a smile when my boy’s face comes into view. He has what looks like blueberry and marshmallow smeared across his cheek, and I can only imagine what he’s been eating this week. Gleb gave him free rein to order anything he wants from the housekeeper, and it looks like Josh is taking full advantage of that.

“How are you, buddy?” I ask.

“Good.” He smiles. “Uncle Maxim and I