Page 5 of Vegas Baby

“Your nurse says you declined to call anyone and didn’t list any emergency contacts when they helped you with the paperwork last night,” he replies. “And when your friend Michael came to check on you this morning, he said there was only one person he knew to call.”

My heartbeat picks up again, knowing exactly who he means. But as skilled as I usually am at hiding my emotions, this stranger clearly knows I’m terrified.

“Don’t worry,” he says gently, “he didn’t call anyone, and neither did we. I told you: You’re safe here.”

His tone, his expression both tell me he knows how scared I am. How unsafe I am with the only person anyone knows to contact where I’m concerned.

But I don’t say anything. I simply nod. Sebastian tilts his head.

“You’ll be discharged any time now, and you’re going to need someone to take care of you for the next few days. Do you have someone you trust?” he asks gently.

I take a deep breath. “No,” I admit. “Can’t I just stay here?”

“Not in this room, no,” he hedges. “Though there are facilities associated with this hospital you could go to. But they’re usually for post-surgical or elderly patients, and if it’s not medically required, insurance won’t cover it. And they’re expensive.”

I press my lips together tightly. Well, that’s a no-go since Andrei tightly controls my money. But then, we also still live together, so he’ll notice if I don’t come home for three days. Hell, he’s probably already looking for me now.

“There are other programs,” Sebastian says slowly. “For women looking to get out of a situation with a … volatile partner.”

My eyes lift to meet his. If only he knew I’ve been to one of those places already. And when Andrei found me …

“Unless they have something like a witness protection program without the actual witness part, I’m afraid there’s nothing you can do,” I reply bluntly.

Now it’s Sebastian’s eyebrows that jump. I realize I may have revealed more than I intended, and I can already tell Sebastian is very good at reading between the lines. My eyes drift to the door. As if expecting Andrei to materialize there and take me away to punish me for my words. For not dying. For whatever it is he feels like punishing me for this time.

“Kira.”

I ignore his call for my attention, fighting the wave of dread swelling in my chest.

The chair scrapes. I hear him walk to the bed and settle down on it. And his mere presence forces my gaze to his, like I have no control over the decision. His eyes are soft, his jaw set in a hard, tight line.

“You can stay with me,” he says. His offer is so shocking I can’t keep the surprise off my face. “I know you don’t know me at all. But I have a feeling I’m the best option you’ve got right now. I’m more than qualified to take care of you, and I don’t have to work for the next two days.”

“That’s insane,” I reply. Still knowing he’s right. Michael is the only person in the show I’m close with — and only by necessity, otherwise Andrei would never allow it — and it’d practically be a death sentence for him to care for me. Andrei would probably kill us both if I stayed with Michael. But then, wouldn’t he do the same to Sebastian? I shake my head resolutely. I’d rather go back to Andrei, risk his wrath, than put someone else in danger. Especially someone as caring and selfless as Sebastian seems to be. “I appreciate the offer, but I have a home to go to. I will call my … roommate to take me home.”

Sebastian’s eyes darken. “Can you honestly tell me you’ll be safe there?” he asks bluntly.

I blanch at the direct question. “If I stay with you, neither of us will be safe,” I respond just as candidly. And I realize I’m not hesitant because I don’t trust him. I almost laugh at the absurdity of trusting a virtual stranger more than the man I’ve known for ten years.

Sebastian leans back, hopefully the truth sobering him to what his crazy offer would really mean. He’s silent for a moment as he weighs my words.

“Now I definitely think you need to stay with me,” he finally replies.

And to say I’m surprised would be an understatement. Does this guy have a death wish?

“Seriously?” I ask incredulously.

“Absolutely. If it’s so dangerous, there’s no way I can let you go home.”

“Let me?” I ask. I sigh wearily, already exhausted from just this small amount of conversation. But then, I’ve been too tired to fight for a long time. And I may not have the strength to argue with this man. Even though I know he’s right. I shouldn’t go back there. I should’ve gotten out long ago.

I have to stop and wonder: Is it cowardice to let someone else try to do what I haven’t been able to all this time? To help me get out of Andrei’s reach? To take care of myself first?

It’s only when I feel a large, warm hand over mine I realize I’d closed my eyes. And possibly drifted off to sleep. In the middle of a conversation.

“Please,” Sebastian pleads, his deep voice warm and winning.

I open my eyes and stare back at him. I drag a slow breath in and sigh it out. “Are you really sure?”

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