Nikhail’s brows creased. “Ma’am?”
The leader lowered her voice so River couldn’t hear her, but she didn’t miss Nikhail’s grimace or the way he raked his hand through his hair.
“Oh,” he said. “You want… Okay. Yes, ma’am.” He glanced at River and frowned. “It’s just that… No, I understand. You’re right. We wouldn’t want him to get away. Of course, I’ll take care of it myself, and I’ll let you know when it’s done. Goodnight, ma’am.”
Ending the call, Nikhail dropped his phone with a groan. “Fuck.”
River rose from her seat and crossed the room, putting her hand on his shoulder. “You have to go, don’t you?”
He planted his hands on the table and exhaled. “Yes. I wish I didn’t have to, but the Chancellor isn’t giving me a choice.”
“It’s okay. I get it. We’ll have more dates?—”
“It’s not about that,” he said, interrupting her. “Not really.”
“It isn’t?”
“No.” Nikhail drew her into his arms, holding her close to his chest. “Not that I didn’t love our date, but it’syouthat I don’t want to leave.”
There he went again, saying such wonderful things.
She peered up at him. “Me?”
“Yes, you. I can get a vampire to shadow me to the Southern Region tonight, but by the time I get to a safe house and gather a team to deal with this, the sun will have risen. I’ll be stuck there, in another region, and you’ll be here. Unprotected. If something happens, I won’t be able to get to you quickly.” He traced the necklace hanging around her neck. “I won’t be able to keep my promise.”
I will stay by your side and wade through the darkness with you.
The words Nikhail had spoken in the Hub echoed through River’s mind, cementing themselves in her soul. She drew in a deep breath, studying the air fae.
Even now, he was thinking of her.
And that…
Gods, that made her feel more cherished than anything he’d ever said or done.
“Then take me with you.” The words slipped from River’s tongue so quickly, she barely had time to think them over.
He pulled back. “What?”
“Take me to the Southern Region with you. I’ll stay in the safe house, but that way, I’ll be close by.” She lifted a shoulder. “It’s not like I’m working right now; I’m still on bereavement leave from the hospital. If you’re worried about me, then take me with you.”
CHAPTER 23
Take Me with You
Take me with you.
River’s offer hung in the air for a long moment. She could hear her heart beating in her chest, feel each thundering beat resonating through her.
“Besides, what if you get hurt?” The words lodged themselves in her throat as she recalled that horrible day Nikhail had shown up at her hospital, on the brink of death. “I’m a doctor, remember? I could help.”
It was what she’d trained for.
“Say something, Nik,” she breathed after several moments had passed in silence.
“You want to come with me,” he said, as if he couldn’t quite believe it.
It shouldn’t have been so surprising. He’d done the same for her, after all. It was her turn to return the favor.