Page 10 of Wicked Knight 2

“Just do what you have to do.” I sat back and surrendered to the non-doctor.

When it was all said and done, Ivan escorted me back to my suite, where he gave me another dose of pain killers to take later.

“You look like a mummy.” He set a glass of water with a fucking straw on the bedside table.

Just fucking great.

“I tried to stop Dominic, but Papa said the fight needed to be fair and square.” He offered me an apologetic look.

“He was right. If you had helped me, the other men would’ve called foul play.” I squeezed his shoulder then went to the bathroom to find a mirror. “Jesus.” The splint and dressing covered most of my face, but I could still see the red and blue all over. “Fucking asshole.”

“Doc said if you don’t like your nose afterward, you can always get rhinoplasty done.”

“Do I look like I give a shit what my nose looks like?” I furrowed my brows at him. “Get out. I need to be alone.”

Before he reached the door, I remembered we still had a kidnapping pending. “Did Slava get to the hospital yet?”

“No, he stayed to watch the fight. I’ll send him now.”

“Okay.” With a wince, I made my way to the bed and lay down. “Come get me as soon as he confirms Donata is at work.”

“You got it, Boss.”

As soon as he shut the door behind him, I dozed off. Hours later, though it felt like a handful of minutes, Ivan’s face hovered over me.

“Good news.” He shook my shoulder. When I didn’t move, he shoved harder. “Good news, Maxim.”

“I heard you the first time.” I placed my arm over my eyes. “Why is the light on?”

“Because you asked me to get you when we had eyes on the princess. Slava just confirmed. She’s there until two in the morning.” Ivan bounced on his toes. “You said I couldn’t leave your side, but since you can’t go anywhere, I think I should take the lead.”

“Absolutely not.” I let my legs fall over on the side of the bed, then reached for my next dose of pills. I tossed the straw on the floor to drink from the glass like a normal person, but the rim hit my nose before the liquid reached my lips. “Fuck.”

“Doc said to use the straw. I’ll get you one.”

“Leave it.” I swallowed hard. “Get the guys ready, we’ll leave in ten.”

“But you’re supposed to stay in bed.”

“Are you fucking kidding me?” I glared at him.

Ivan put up his hands in surrender. “I’ll get the guys. Do you need help?”

“Just go.” I winced again, which made it hurt more.

I let out a breath, then rose to my feet. A quick body scan told me most of the damage was on my face. Dominic really hated my face. After a quick shower, I donned a fresh T-shirt and jeans. If it had been up to me, I would’ve liked to meet Donata looking less vulnerable and beat up. What did it matter? She wasn’t here to make friends. The sooner she understood that, the better.

Ivan knocked on the door once, then came in. “We’re all set.”

“Good. And Ivan.” I waited until he turned around to face me. “You do as I say. We have a solid plan. Stick to it.”

“Done.” He nodded.

“Okay. Let’s go.” I strode the length of the dark corridor that led to the parking area.

For tonight, Ivan had arranged a white van and three of our most trusted men. Slava was already in position and sending updates every fifteen minutes. I climbed into the passenger seat and greeted the driver.

“Tore, do you have the address?”

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