Page 44 of The Stalking King

CHAPTER 17

LIA

Another day—another shift.

But my supervisor has transferred me to the elderly ward to give me a break from the chaos of the ER. She also said that I should take some time off. But we’re understaffed, so she didn’t say it with that much conviction.

The slower pace gives me time for my thoughts to stray to last night. I remember snoozing in the car, then waking when I was in Maksim’s arms. I didn’t let him know I was awake. I just enjoyed the feeling of being carried, his strong arms cradling me, his big hand spread across my back.

When I woke and he was gone, I felt a pang of loss. No matter how much I try to remind myself of what he did—watched me, stalked me—I can’t resent him for it. I still want him. He’s not a simple person. There are gradations in his heart. I know that, even if I don’t know everything else about him.

On my break, I text him.

Lia: My supervisor has put me on a quieter ward today. I think she thinks I’m working too hard. So, you’re not alone in your campaign to make me lazy.

He replies almost instantly.

Maksim: That’s great!

He always replies quickly to me. I can’t think of a time he’s left me hanging. It makes me feel special, imagining him always ready to shoot back a message. He could be in a meeting or searching for that poor young man or doing God knows what, but I’m still his first priority.

Maksim: Work as little as possible. Be the biggest slacker you can.

Lia: I can’t do that. People need me.

Maksim: Hard work is all you know, Lia. You proved that the moment you started contributing to household expenses when you were still a kid. I didn’t ask then, but I should have. Where was your dad in all of this?

I sigh.

Lia: He left after Evan was born. It’s a cliché, really. He literally told my mother he was going for cigarettes and never came back.

Maksim: I’m so sorry. That’s a horrible thing for a person to do. It’s cowardly. When a man makes a commitment, he should stick to it. And choosing to have children with someone is the biggest commitment there is.

Lia: I agree. If I ever have kids, I’m going to do everything I can not to mess them up.

Maksim: Do you want kids?

Lia: I don’t know. I’ve never had the time to think about it. And I can’t imagine being in a place where I have the time.

Maksim: All of that aside. If the circumstances were different, would you want them?

A crazy thought strikes me, which isn’t exactly surprising. This whole situation is crazy. Is he asking about us?

Obviously not. But hypothetically…

I imagine a little child, filled with brightness and potential, looking up at me with love in his or her eyes.

Lia: Yes, I think so. What about you?

Maksim: I never used to. But I can see it.

I swallow a big lump. Maybe he is talking about us.

I change the subject.

Lia: Good news. I’ve got a day off tomorrow.

Maksim: I’m glad to hear that, Lia. Finally. I want you to spend the entire day doing absolutely nothing at all. Stay in bed and read one of your thrillers. Or just lie there and enjoy not having to do anything. Then, in the evening, I’m taking you out.