Page 53 of Runaway Queen

“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”

“I’ll double your pay, how’s that?”

Narrowing my eyes at him, I leaned against the doorframe. “Why would you do that? You were already paying me too much.”

“I disagree. When I looked at other artists in the area who could complete the piece, it was impossible to find someone. You undervalue your talent. Please. This painting is important to me. Name your price.”

I studied him. I needed the money, and he seemed genuine enough. “Fine. I’m almost done anyway. I’ll work on it tonight. Did you bring it?”

“I forgot. I’ve been in back-to-back meetings all day. I’ll have it dropped off.”

“Fine.” I checked my watch and straightened up. “Now, I really have to go.”

“On your way to the hospital?”

“Yes, Leo’s been admitted.”

“I hope it all works out well for him. He deserves it.” Edward left the room without having to be asked.

“Thank you.”

I locked my classroom behind him, gave him a swift smile, and left.

* * *

St.Mary’s was busy when I arrived, and I had to circle the parking lot for a good ten minutes before I found a space. Once I snagged one, I hurried inside.

“Mom!”

Leo jumped up when I reached the children’s ward and wrapped his little arms around me as far as they would go, which wasn’t that far. I pressed my face into the top of his silky head and breathed in. Ah, there it was. The good stuff.

“How are you doing in here?”

“Good! Yesterdayzioandziabrought me a gamepad!”

My eyes narrowed in on the shiny new tech on the bed. “Did they really?”

Leo nodded enthusiastically. “Can I keep it?”

I smoothed his hair back. “Sure you can, just don’t play it all the time, okay? How are you feeling?”

“Fine, normal.” He climbed back into bed and peered at the bag in my hand. “What did you bring me to eat?”

“Spaghetti and meatballs.”

He pumped the air. “Yes! Can we share it with Charlie?”

Leo jerked his head over to the little boy in the bed next to him. He had his head shaved and the shadowed eyes of a cancer patient.

“Sure we can, if his nurse says it’s okay and he likes it.”

“He’ll love it, you’re the best cook in the world,” Leo said with perfect sincerity.

I settled myself in the chair next to him. I couldn’t keep the grin off my face. I should be more anxious about Nikolai showing up and finding out the truth, but I just couldn’t find it in me. Maybe I was too burned out on stress. I wasn’t capable of fear in the way other people would be anymore.

Or, maybe, despite everything, you still trust him.

If that was true, I didn’t know what it said about me.

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