Page 157 of Beautiful Trauma
“That’s true.”
As we started back to the house, Mila stared over at me with a smile. “Thanks for today.”
“I think I’m the one who should thanking you.”
She shook her head. “I mean for taking me here. I already feel better.”
I returned her smile. “Anytime, my love.”
CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR: MILA
Aweek passed after we returned from Kellan’s farm, and I felt so much better. The medicine, combined with alone time with Kellan, made such a difference.
Kellan had started back to work, so I was left alone at his apartment during the day. Well, I should sayourapartment. But I wasn’t a bored mafia wife who lunched and shopped. I’d started auditing some astronomy courses at Boston University. When the new semester rolled around, I would start in person classes.
I was in bed reading an article on astrophysics when my phone rang. When I glanced at the caller ID, it read unknown. Hope surged in my chest that Kira or Lev had gotten a burner phone to talk to me.
“Hello?”
“It’s Dima.”
I sucked in a breath. Although it had only been weeks, it felt like an eternity since I’d heard his voice. “What do you want?”
“Kira’s been in an accident.”
Icy fear crashed over my head, causing me to shudder. “What? How?” I demanded
“She left a party with some drunk idiots, and the driver hit a tree.”
A sob tore from my lips. “Is she okay?”
“They’re keeping her in a coma to help the swelling on the brain.”
“Oh God,” I murmured as my chest constricted. This couldn’t be happening. I couldn’t lose Kira like this. It was traumatic enough being separated from her. But I knew she was alive and just a plane ride away.
“Where is she?”
“Temple University. They took her there before we could intercede.”
In the back of my mind, suspicion swirled. “Why didn’t Lev call me?”
“Because he knew you would need my permission to enter our territory.”
Dima was right. If I tried to enter Philly without his permission, I wouldn’t live long. But at the same time, a voice nagged at me. “How do I know this isn’t a trick?”
“You can call the fucking hospital and ask for her room,” he growled.
“Okay. But after everything that’s gone down, you can’t fault me for being suspicious.”
“There is another reason I needed to speak to you.”
“What is it?”
“You need to come alone.”
“Absolutely not.”
“I’m serious, Mila. I’m sticking out my neck enough for you. There’s no way in hell I can do that for Kavanaugh.”
