CHAPTER 138
KATYA POV
The place was empty. The table was bare. Even her bedside stand—where a flask always sat—was completely cleared.
"Where's your water?" I asked again, voice tightening. "I am fine, Katya." She dabbed her lips with a handkerchief, forcing the cough to settle.
"Just a tickle in my throat."
"That wasn't a tickle," I said, already moving toward the door. "I'll get you some from the kitchen."
"No, no—cara, sit." She reached out a hand, trying to stop me. Her breathing had already steadied. Her voice was calm again. "Really. There is no need."
But my heart was still thudding. I didn't like how that cough sounded. I didn't like how quickly it came and how fast she tried to hide it.
"With respect, Nonna," I said gently but firmly, "just let me bring some. In case it happens again."
She looked at me—longer than before. Longer than comfortable. Like she was reading every thought running through my head, every fear, every worry.
