Page 85 of Break Me

He rolled his eyes, laughing. “She’s a precocious little girl that keeps my cousin on his toes. But he wouldn’t trade being a single father for the world. I admire him. More so now.”

“Kids can keep you on your toes. You’re very good with Emily. You really are. I’m just glad you were there tonight. I don’t usually freak out that way. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“You’re a loving mother who’s experienced a few difficult days and from the beautiful yet very dark circles under your eyes, I’d say very little sleep. Also, from what I can tell, there’s nothing in the world wrong with you. In my eyes, you’re amazing.”

It was so strange to feel the need to hate him when I couldn’t.

He took a deep breath. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’d like a cup of coffee. I happen to know of a Starbucks in the hospital.”

“I admit that sounds heavenly, but it’s late. I don’t know if they’ll be open.”

As he stood, he gave me one of his looks. “Trust me. They will be open.”

Even now when I was empty inside, he could still make me laugh. That said something. He walked away and I sat back on the couch, trying to catch my breath. I realized I hadn’t called Kristine and she’d want to know.

I also hadn’t contacted Liam and had no intention of doing so. He’d simply berate me again and I definitely wasn’t in the mood.

I pulled out my phone, thankful there was a charge. As soon as I activated the screen, I noticed a text had been sent.

Since I’d had several phone calls from reporters trying to get my side on what had occurred in the parking lot, I bristled instantly. They obviously had discovered my number.

What I saw on the screen sent shivers down my spine.

A picture of me at the fire station taken earlier that day with a caption underneath in all caps.

BE CAREFUL WHO YOU ASSOCIATE WITH

While fear was right there just below the surface, so was anger. Vile rage.

I stared at the screen, realizing the sender was anonymous. There was no phone number attached. I thought about sending back a nasty note but knew that wasn’t the best thing to do.

Whoever had sent it could simply be warning me about Alexsey.

Or the sender could mean something more ominous. Whatever the case, I was rattled, more so than usual because of everything that had occurred. I had to keep my focus on my daughter,

I hadn’t realized how late it was and simply sent a text to my sister that she would see in the morning. Leaning back, I briefly closed my eyes until I heard a noise.

A few minutes later, a man approached and I instantly bristled since he wasn’t dressed like anyone else in the hospital. I scanned the area, wishing I could see Alexsey returning, my pulse skyrocketing.

As soon as he was near, he smiled. “Mrs. O’Leary?”

“Yes.”

He laughed. “I know. I don’t look like a doctor. I didn’t have time to change. I hope you don’t mind. I’m Doctor Razimir. I was called in on your daughter’s case.”

As soon as he threw his hand out for a shake, I started to stand.

“Please. I’m sure you’re exhausted.” He sat down before I had a chance to shake his hand, feeling some sense of relief.

“I’m so sorry you were called back from your vacation. I hadn’t intended for Alexsey to do that.”

He shook his head. “Well, the Dmitriyev family has been very good to the hospital, so I was glad to be able to make an unscheduled trip back.”

“Good?”

His expression became perplexed. “Yes, with donations. They are by far our top benefactor and in truth, we were able to hire some incredible surgeons and add a wing onto the hospital because of their generosity.”

Wow. There was another good boy point for a man I’d originally thought had no possible way of redeeming himself. “Oh, wow, I appreciate you coming. I don’t know what else you can offer at this point. She’s on a ventilator and has been doing very well. To a point.”