Page 19 of Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire

“In here.” Dr. Jamison Samirov held open the door to the surgery. “I’ve done all I can, Reina,” he whispered.

She nodded and stiffened her back.

Gregor lay on a bed, unclothed except for a blanket. He had IV needles in both arms, one of blood and another with what she prayed were pain killers.

“Gregor, my darling, why didn’t you listen to me?”

He lifted a hand and cupped her face. “My beautiful, Reina. I’m so sorry. I should have listened. You were right. Even though they hit Nicolai as well, he will survive. I will not. I know this, and the only fear I have is leaving you alone. I am so sorry.”

Tears filled her eyes, but she didn’t let them fall. “Do not be, my love. You know I will take care of our children. You would know I was lying if I said that you would be all right. I have never done that in our thirty-one years together. I am not starting now.” Suddenly, she wailed. “Oh, Gregor. Please do not leave me. Do not leave me alone.”

“I love you, Reina, with all my heart and soul.” His hand fell from her face.

He was gone. Finally, she let the tears fall, and she cried silently for a short while. Then she went to the doctor. “Where is Nicolai?”

His eyes widened, and his brows lifted. He raised his hands in front of him. “Is now a good time to see him, Reina?”

“There is no time like the present to kill the man who killed my husband.” She drew the sword at her side. “Now, where is he?”

Doctor Samirov put his arms out wide. “He’s not here. I sent him to the hospital in town. I knew you would have this response when Gregor died.”

Suddenly it was too much. The sword clattered to the hard tile floor as Reina wrapped her arms around her middle and sobbed.

The doctor came to her and took her in his arms. “It’s okay, Reina. No one can hurt him any longer.”

She let him hold her, and she cried. Later would be soon enough to tell the children their father was dead. Alexander would need to come home a little sooner than expected. And she would not share her suspicions until he was here.No, I should tell him about Nicolai when we are face to face.

She picked up her sword and sheathed it. Then she walked purposefully toward the courtyard and the limousine that was always waiting.

“Take me to the hospital. Now.”

The young driver hurriedly closed her door and opened the driver’s side door and got behind the wheel. He did not observe the speed limits, but went as fast as the roads and people would allow him.

He arrived at the hospital in ten minutes.

Reina jumped out before he could get the door for her. “Turn the car around. I want to go home as soon as possible when I return.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Reina entered the hospital and walked to the front desk. “Where is Nicolai Fedorov?”

The young brunette nurse at the station looked up, and her eyes widened. “He’s, just a moment and I’ll give you the room number.” She looked at her computer. “He’s on the third floor, room 310. Should I call—”

Reina leaned over the counter so she was closer to the young nurse. “No, if you value your job, you will not call the room or the nurses’ station. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Reina turned and headed to the elevator.

When she reached the third floor, she turned right and passed the nurses’ station while pulling her sword. As she approached Nicolai’s room, two armed men emerged.

She didn’t stop. “Out of my way.”

They crossed their hands in front of them, fingers down, and widened their stance to block the entire doorway.

“Not today, Your Majesty. Nicolai is not receiving,” said the taller of the two men. She noticed the guns at their sides and knew she would not be allowed into Nicolai’s room.

“Very well. You tell Nicolai he might have won this round, but he will not win the war.” She turned and left the way she’d come.