Page 212 of Cashmere Ruin

“Trust me, no one’s lining up to steal that.”

Petra.What a celestial voice to wake up to. “Where’s April?”

“Hwen pho geph mophee.”

“Right. Thanks for clarifying.”

She swallows her gigantic bite. Grisha hasn’t been here fifty seconds, and she’s already wolfed down one—no,twochocolate croissants. “I said she went to get coffee,” she clarifies. Then she reaches for a third pastry.

“Enough, you jackal. Leave some for my girlfriend.”

Petra arches a brow. “That depends on how long she’s planning to be gone.”

“I’m here!” April rushes in, May in tow. “Any cream puffs?”

“I wouldn’t hang you out to dry.” Grisha smiles, handing over a separate paper bag. Talk about preferential treatment.

I snatch my breakfast before the Cookie Monster can inhale that, too. “How long was I asleep?”

“Not long,” April answers. “Just under an hour. You should grab some more rest.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not. Also, stop scratching your arm.”

I scowl, but I let my hand fall to my side. “Don’t you have a baby to fuss over?”

“Actually,” she sighs, “sometimes, I think I have two.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask with a frown.

“Nothing. Nothing at all.”

“Really? ‘Cause it sounded a lot like sarcasm.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking ab?—”

“Is there any left for me?”

Our heads turn in unison.

“Yuri!” Petra rushes over to the bed. “How are you feeling?”

Yuri stirs. He squeezes his eyes against the fluorescent hospital lights. Between surgery and recovery, he’s been out a whole day. “Hungry,” he replies.

“Nice try,” she deadpans. “You’re on a hospital food diet for the next three weeks, you fuckhead.”

“It’s good to see you, too.”

She punches him on the shoulder. Hisgoodshoulder, but I can’t imagine it doesn’t still hurt. “Stop wasting your breath on fucking jokes of all things. Your left lung almost collapsed.”

“What if it wasn’t a joke?” His voice dips lower, softer. “I am glad to see you. I didn’t think I’d get the chance again.”

“Oh, shut up,” Petra growls, but her eyes are shiny now. “And don’t you ever scare me like that again. You almost lost two pints of blood! They wouldn’t even let me donate!”

“Because you’re pregnant,” April points out.

“So what? It’s my choice!”

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