Page 141 of Scarlet Promise

The doctor nods. “I’ll be back.”

He scurries out.

“You scared him,” I say.

“No one threatens my dog or my girl.”

I laugh as someone casts a shadow on the door. Even though the doctor just ran off, my blood surges faster with hope that he came back to tell me he doesn’t need to do more pointless tests, and I can go.

But it isn’t him.

My heart soars.

Demyan.

He casts his pale-blue eyes on me, shining with love, and he gives me a small, relieved smile.

Then he looks at Ilya.

“Go talk to him,” I say to Ilya.

“If you’re sure.” He looks at me carefully.

I giggle. “I’m not going to break.”

“You might. And I’m not sure I can raise dividing cells by myself,” he says.

He’s teasing, but there’s a serious note there, too.

“I don’t want to lose you, either, Ilya.” I take a breath. “I’m strong. Talk to my brother.”

He kisses me and gets up.

Isla comes over to me. “They worked it out. I’m happy for you and them. And I’m happy to see it, too.” She pauses. “So about this first playdate… Month four too soon?”

We look at each other and dissolve into laughter. Erin demands to know what’s so funny.

As the two talk, I catch Ilya glance at me. Then he turns back to my brother, who nods.

They both come over to me.

Demyan hugs me tight. “Never do that again, Angel.”

“I don’t plan on it. Are you sure you two are okay?” I ask, studying him. “You and Ilya? Are you truly good?”

My brother groans. “She gets kidnapped for a second time, and she’s worried about my friendship with Ilya. We’re like brothers. It’s good. And you?”

I give him a playful shrug. “I’ll scream if you ask me again.”

He sighs. “Pavel’s taking care of the mess upstairs for us, and I’m taking my family and Isla home. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” But no one’s listening to me as they all clear out.

Only Albert remains while Ilya speaks to the doctor. Once more the doctor looks at Albert. “This is very?—”

“Much allowed,” Ilya growls. “Demyan owns this part of the hospital. Deal with it.”

The doctor inches away from him and nods, then he clears his throat. “Well, I think, given the latest activities, I’ll keep you overnight for observation.”