Nik blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the harsh light. His vision was blurry at first, but slowly, shapes began to make sense. He was lying on a bed… Am I still in theinfirmary? he wondered, glancing around. Where is that guy? The last thing I remembered was him giving me the pills, he thought.
Carefully, he tried to shift into a sitting position, but a sharp sting shot through his arm. Frowning, he looked down. A thin tube dangled from his hand, leading up to a bag of clear fluid—he was on a drip.
Confusion flickered through him. He remembered being weak, shivering, and feeling hot… maybe the guy had carried him here.Everything felt hazy, and his mind struggled to catch up with his body.
Meanwhile, infront of Nik's room, two men were having a conversation their voice steady.
" His vitals are stable now, but I'm not entirely comfortable with the way things are developing " Evan said, as his brow furrowed slightly.
"Evan,do you think I've not been trying to stop him? He's just not listening " Dmitri whispered, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose.
Evan adjusted his glasses and let out a long, tired sigh " For now...he just needs more rest –" he begun but his words were cut off by the soft, broken sobs of Dmitri.
" He knows those drugs... they're not good for him" Dmitri choked out, his voice trembling, " This isn't the first time...but he keeps taking them anyway. I just...I just don't want anything to happen to him. If he won't think about his own health...he should atleast think of me!"
Evan let out a heavy sigh. Seeing Dmitri so hurt...it was unbearable. Without a word , he stepped closer and gently wrapped an arm around Dmitri's shoulders, pulling him into a firm, reassuring hug. Dmitri buried his face into Evan's chest, letting the tears fall freely.
"It's okay," Evan murmured softly, rubbing his back in slow , comforting circles " I know how much you care...he's lucky to have you. Right now he just needs proper rest"
Dmitri nodded weakly against him.
Evan had been there for Dmitri when he was at his lowest, back when he first met him at that club. At first, Dmitri had thought Evan was just another wealthy guy trying to befriend him for the wrong reasons—but Evan had proven different. Over time, they became closer, a connection built on trust rather than convenience.
Evan a 25 year old man, had a presence that demanded quiet attention without ever trying. His sharp jawline and high cheekbones gave him a refined, almost sculpted look, softened by the gentle warmth in his amber eyes. His hair was a dark- brown, tousled mess that somehow framed his face perfectly, falling in soft waves that caught the light just right.His build was lean but athletic.
It was during that period, when Nik was spiraling deeper into drugs, that Dmitri felt like he was losing his brother. Desperate, he confided in Evan. That was when Evan revealed he was a doctor and offered to help monitor Nik's health, Dmitri agreed immediately. Convincing Nik wasn't easy, but Dmitri's persistence eventually won him over.
Just as the tension began to ease, a loud BAM echoed from Nik's room making them both froze.
****************
Nik groaned, trying to push himself up, but his legs refused to cooperate. The IV stand sat just out of reach, and when he stretched for it, he wobbled—and tumbled to the floor.
The door clicked open, and Dmitri was instantly there, helping him back onto the bed.
"What are you doing?" he asked, his tone sharp.
"You need rest. You're not getting better by moving around like this."
Nik didn't answer.
"The man– the one with me at the infirmary–where is he?"
It's like he has no idea that the man is Ashley. And here I am, thinking my brother has a brilliant memory, Dmitri thought.
" Are you sure you were really with someone?" Dmitri asked " Alexei found you alone there" he added.
"How do you think I got to the infirmary in this state?" Nik said placing his palm in his forehead.
Nik exhaled and ran a hand through his messy hair, pushing it back.
" Are we still at the compound?"
"Yeah. Alexei's preparing the helicopter. We had to wait until you woke up before leaving. That's why I called Evan,to come and check on you" Dmitri explained.
Nik's gaze shifted toward the door. Evan was there, leaning silently against the frame, calm. Why can't I trust him…if not for Dmitri ... His train of thought was interrupted by the buzz of a phone.Nik spotted his phone in the cupboard beside the bed and grabbed it.
"Sir Nik, this should mean you've woken up," Alexei's voice came through.
Nik said nothing.
"The helicopter's ready."
"Okay," Nik muttered, ending the call.
" Hey" he called out to Evan, "This is enough – you can remove it"
Dmitri opened his mouth to argue, but Nik's icy glare stopped him. With a resigned sigh, Dmitri left.
Evan moved forward silently, removing the IV drip. At the door, he paused "I think it's time to stop" he said, voice calm but firmas he adjusted his lenses on the bridge of his nose.
Nik let out a slow, dangerous smirk, eyes glinting with defiance.
"That's none of your business," he said, tone sharp but almost playful in its edge.
Evan gave nothing but a brief nod before leaving, leaving Nik on the bed.