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Juliette grasped my flailing arms, intent on smashing something. “Hey, you’ve been through hell and back with that girl. It’s only natural to miss a few things.” She squeezed lightly, drawing my angry gaze. “Let Wilkes handle this. He’s the expert.”

Blowing out a harsh exhale, I nodded. After she kissed both my cheeks, I slipped my phone out of my pocket and dialed Wilkes as I left her office. If Tahir was involved, I wanted him brought in before he got wind that I knew of his connection to Kabir.

Chapter 51 – Mikaela

One Week Later

I opened my eyes, blinking against the lethargy I felt in my body. The soft beep of machines was the first sound that registered. The next was approaching footsteps as a beautiful face came into focus.

“You’re awake.” Xavier kissed my brow, smiling.

“How am I alive?” I returned his smile, my words slurred.

He dragged a slow finger across my chin. “I’d like to say I don’t know, but I began believing in fate the day you walked into my life and survived everything thrown your way.”

I blinked, fighting the drowsiness, then tensed, remembering why we were in a hospital room. “Kabir?”

“Don’t worry about him for now.”

I never thought I’d see Kabir again and while I never knew how I’d react to his reappearance, I hated that my body bowed to his will so easily, given Xavier’s kind-hearted care. “You didn’t catch him, did you?” I tried to act strong. My disappointed expression gave me away.

Xavier leaned down, bringing his face close to mine. “Remember my promise, love?” I nodded, recalling his words in the bathtub after I’d told him about my past. “Trust me?”

“Always.”

He kissed my brow again. “For now, I just need you to focus on your recovery, okay?” I nodded as a nurse entered to take my vitals. “Get her ready to be transported, please. I’m taking her home,” he said to her.