Page 110 of Scarred Redemption

“I think we have that too. And yes, I’m fine. Although I have a few things to tell you.”

“No shit, Sherlock. Like how you survived the blast.”

I knew the second when she jerked to a stop behind me. “Mina is alive and just fine.”

“That’s why I was so confused. I thought I was nuts. I thought my friend was nuts.”

“What are you talking about?” I took us into the kitchen, searching the cabinets for tequila.

“I have a friend at Mercy Hospital who called and said Mina Aristov had been in for some tests. I laughed at her and told her to lay off the sauce. You know. Alcohol. Can you hurry it up with the tequila?”

“She was there.”

Hope’s face fell. “Oh, no. You’ve got to be kidding me.”

I poured a tall shot, moving it across the counter and leaving the bottle. “No. We’ve yet to hear the results.”

“My God. What a freaking rollercoaster.”

“Tell me about it.”

“I can call them for you and maybe I’ll get a quicker answer.”

“I think Maxsim would really appreciate that. He’s about ready to jump out of his skin or to skin everyone at the hospital.”

She finally took a deep breath. “I will. But please tell me what happened. I attended your funeral. I told Maxsim I hated him along with telling him to hunt the bastard down who was responsible and kill him.”

“Oh, I assure you he will.” I told her the cliff note version of what had occurred and by the time I was finished, she poured another shot. “You also told him I’d been about to break off our relationship.” I lifted an eyebrow.

She shrugged, her expression coy. “Shoot me. I was angry with him. Still am. But let’s not talk about that. What you went through is terrifying and astounding.”

“I know. I’m just very lucky.”

“No, you’re some kind of superhero. How are you holding up?”

I lifted my glass of wine, taking a deep breath. “My blood pressure is high. I fainted.”

She pulled back, the nurse in her coming out to play. “Have you seen a doctor?”

“Yes, and there’s more.”

“What? Talk to me. I can’t take much more.”

“I’m pregnant.” I held my breath as she absorbed the news.

“Give me that glass of wine. Do you have any idea what that could do with you having high pressure and being pregnant?”

“You sound like Maxsim. I’m fine for today.”

“No, you are not. Now, give it to me.”

I allowed her to take the glass, amused when she downed the shot. “I’m really fine.”

“No, she is stubborn.”

Hearing Maxsim’s voice, Hope cringed.

He had his eyes on me as he walked in.