The ride to the hospital is short and fast, but Annika still hasn’t regained consciousness by the time they unload her. I see Yulian and the others as the EMTs and I race through the E.R., but I don’t stop, intent on going back with Annika. I'm able to make it to the heavy double doors leading to the exam rooms before a large male nurse grabs me by the shoulders, forcing me to stop.
“Sir, you’re going to have to wait with the rest of her family,” he states sternly.
“The hell I am,” I snarl, breaking out of the nurse’s hold, “I need to know what’s wrong with her!”
I race for the closing doors, but they shut just as I get there, the sound of the automatic lock ringing loudly in my ears.
“Open this damned thing!” I command, slamming my fist into the mesh-inlaid panel of glass.
“Sir!” the nurse insists, coming to my side. “You’re not getting back there without a key card or an escort. Now I know you’re worried about your wife, but-”
“She’s not my wife!” I shoot back. I let out an irritated sigh, suddenly realizing how insane I probably sound. Hell, maybe Iaminsane. I barely know the woman and yet here I am, ready to break a damned door down to make sure she's alright.
I draw in another deep breath, straining for calm.
“She’s not my wife,” I state again, calmer this time. “She’s to be my brother’s.”
The nurse raises an intrigued brow.
“Are you close?” he asks.
I shake my head.
“No, but we take family very seriously.”
The nurse looks over to the others. Edik, Yulian, and the golden bridesmaid are all standing a few yards away with intense expressions. Pyotr, however, has loosened his tie and is slumped slovenly into one of the waiting room chairs, looking as bored as ever.
“Does your brother know that?” the nurse asks.
I feel my scowl deepen as I stalk over to Pyotr, grab him by his jacket, and drag him to his feet.
“Hey!” Pyotr yelps.
“Get up,” I snarl in my face. “Your future wife just had a medical emergency, show some damned respect!”
Pyotr’s expression screws into a frown and he shoves at me. Immediately Edik is there, putting his body between the two of us and ready to protect hisPakhan.
“Cool it down, Pyotr,” Edik warns. “Or you and I will take a walk.”
“You won’t do shit,’ Pyotr growls back. “I’m the brother of thePakhan,you’re just the bodyguard.”
“That’s right, I am the bodyguard, and Iwilldo anything necessary to protect your brother. Including dealing with a spoiled little shit like you,” Edik warns.
“Enough,” I growl.
I run a hand through his hair, take a steadying breath, and walk over to Yulian. The man looks absolutely terrified for his daughter, but I don’t miss the disappointed look he throws at Pyotr.
“Yulian, I am sorry for all of this,” I offer, my tone diplomatic. “Please know that my family will cover the expenses.”
“I’m not worried about the expenses,” Yulian sniffles, his blue eyes shining with tears. “I’m worried about my daughter.”
I nod in understanding, and send up a silent prayer that Annika is going to be alright.
To pass the time, I offer Yulian formal introductions to Edik and Pyotr. I know Edik is someone Yulian has seen before; he was in the room during our meetings, but like Yulian’s man, he’s always been a silent presence. I then introduce Pyotr, who barely gives a respectable handshake to the man and mumbles well wishes. Yulian then introduced us to Valya, who, in my opinion, is only a slightly less intense version of my little brother. She makes eye contact and accepts the introduction with respect, but quickly goes back to her phone once they are over. Lastly, I meet Viktor, Yulian’s man.
“Mr. Shabalin?”
We all turn as we hear the doctor’s voice, and I find myself by Yulian’s side as he walks over to the doctor.
