Chapter Forty-Eight

Y A N A

Mikhail looks at me like I just spoke a different language, which is a strange reaction for such an ordinary question. Granted, it’s most likely my tone that makes him uncomfortable, but I still can’t shake off the feeling that he’s thinking about something deeper.

He looks at Lily and Jason, who both nod at him as a sign of giving him permission. He smiles at them and turns back to me. “Of course.”

“Let me help you up,” Jason whispers, getting up from his seat and rushing over to me. He supports my back and tries to pull me up, but he can’t deal with my weight.

Mikhail comes over to help, but the moment his hand touches my waist, I recoil.

We stare at each other.

“It’s okay,” I say, trying to sound as normal as possible. “I can get up on my own.”

I do exactly that, swinging my swollen and smarting legs off the bed and slowly landing on my feet. Mikhail puts his arm around my back to support me, and all my instincts just scream at me to push him off. However, I stay put and ju