Page 22 of The Rebel King

“We should let her get some rest,” Kimba says. “We’re all up in your space.”

“It’s okay.” I smile at her, concerned by her concern. She never looks worried, and I’ve never seen her like this. “I’mokay, Kimba.”

She doesn’t look convinced but nods. “Viv’s coming from New York. Says she needs to see you both for herself.”

Wallace and I smile at each other, yet another bond formed through the ordeal we just survived.

“We have a hotel,” Bethany says, “but maybe we should stay here. We can’t leave you alone.”

“She won’t be,” Maxim says from the corner.

Everyone turns to look at him. Bethany clears her throat, shooting a questioning look at my dad, like he may be able to offer some insight into the big man periodically growling from the corner.

“You need rest, young lady,” the doctor says. “We’ll clear out.” He glances at Maxim. “Since it sounds like you’ll be here, Mr. Cade—”

“I will be.” Maxim stands and approaches the bed, giving the doctor his full attention.

“Good. You have my number. Call if she needs anything.” The doctor walks out, and Maxim follows him, stopping at the door as if waiting for everyone else to come.

“Oh,” Bethany says, gathering the lozenges and lotion and other items I’m not sure how she planned to use. There’s even a ball of yarn and knitting needles. I’d laugh if I wasn’t so tired and ready to be left alone.

Not alone.

With Maxim.

Maxim follows everyone out of the room, probably ensuringthey actually leave. My father lingers, picking up my hand on the bed once they’re gone.

“You sure you’re okay, kiddo?”

He hasn’t called me that in a long time, and the endearment, the love behind it, makes my eyes water. “Yeah, Dad. I’m okay.”

He met us on the tarmac, squeezing me so tight and weeping. This traumatized him in a way I think only he and I can fully comprehend. What we went through with Mama…I’m just so grateful he doesn’t have to go through that again.

“Maxim is”—he widens his eyes and smiles—“intense.”

“He is.” My chuckle sounds like it’s in a blender. “But I like it.”

“I can see that. Why didn’t you tell me you were dating Maxim Cade? He’s a pretty big deal.”

“He’s a very big deal to me.”

“He’s not who I would have expected you to choose,” Dad says carefully.

“Yeah,” I agree wryly. “We met when I went to Amsterdam.”

“You’ve known him that long?”

“We hadn’t seen each other in years. We reconnected when I started working on his brother’s campaign. You’ll love Owen, by the way.”

“Everyone seems to. I haven’t seen this much excitement about a candidate in a very long time.”

“He’s the real deal. Kimba and I feel very lucky to work on his team.”

“He’slucky to have you.” He pauses, darting a quick glance over his shoulder and then turning back to me, lowering his voice. “How serious is it between you and Maxim?”

“We’re keeping it private. I don’t want the drama of us dating to cast any doubt on why Kimba and I got this job, and it would only distract from Owen’s campaign at this point, but I love him.”

“And he obviously has very strong feelings for you.”

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