King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Two Hundred Eighty-Eight

Sephie

I looked at Ivan, noting that he’d been cleaned up and had a fresh set of clothes on. “How?” I asked, pointing at him. I was sure they would know what I was asking, so I didn’t feel the need to elaborate or use any more energy than absolutely necessary.

“The recording of you playing worked so the doctor could stitch him up and make sure nothing was broken. We’ve all been listening to it off and on while Ivan sleeps. So far, he hasn’t woken up fighting.” Misha said.

I looked at Ivan, remembering him standing over me the last time the doctor checked me. “What made you protect me from the doctor?” I asked, my voice still only barely above a whisper.

He raised his eyebrow. “How do you know that, princess?”

“I can feel you now too. Not as strong though.” I stopped to take a breath. “I could hear all your conversations too. I just couldn’t move,” I said, trying to breathe as deeply as I could.

“Really?” Adrik and Ivan both asked at the same time. I laughed quietly at them, nodding my head.

“Different, though,” I said. I looked back at Ivan, still wanting to know what the doctor did. “You were right to do what you did. It felt gross whatever he did.”

“He was looking at you the way the doctors at the facility looked at me when they were excited about a new experiment they wanted to try on me,” Ivan said.

the words out. I coughed once, which made Andrei quickly get more water for me. “You’re my favorite, Bubba,” I said as he handed me a full cup of water again. I glanced at everyone’s tense faces at the mention of Sal and Armando while I drank more water. “Armando?” I

in a room. Chris said he’s trying to talk his way out by saying Boss has crazy and put him in there for no reason,” Viktor

gone

not to get angry. I felt Adrik tighten his hold on me. He pressed his cheek against mine, trying to help me stay calm. I took as deep a breath as I could. When I opened my eyes and looked at

to you, Boss?” I felt Adrik nod his head, his cheek still pressed lightly to mine. I was

had us,” Ivan said. “But she never once lost her cool.” He looked at me

were interrupted by the doctor coming in to check on me. “Oh,

back from the bed, but didn’t leave. They gave the doctor just enough space to do what was needed, but they were making sure to stay close to me while he was in the room. Adrik pulled me closer to him as the doctor approached the bed. Even though it hurt, I was grateful for him doing so. “How are

I said quietly. Dr. Williams chuckled.

Can you take a deep breath in?” I did as instructed. My ribs were still incredibly painful, so I couldn’t breathe as deeply as I wanted to. “Good.” He looked at Adrik, asking, “have

she tries to talk

things for a few days. Take everything very slowly. It’ll make it easier on your lungs to keep up. I’d like to take the chest tube out and see how you do.” I nodded my head, eagerly. If me staying in the hospital was dependent on that thing coming out, then I wanted it out as

out of bed?” I asked quietly.

need to take your IV stand with you, but a little bit of movement will be good for the rest of your body. You’re going to be sore,

days at a time. I would rather suffer through it. Ivan caught

like you’re lying?”