The two men assessed one another for a long moment as though weighing each other as potential opponents. Sergei gave the man a brief nod before turning back to her.
“Do not apologize, solnyshka. You have been through a great deal today.”
Hayden frowned and made a show of taking Ariana's hands again. “Allow me to escort you back to your quarters, Ariana. I'm sure you'd like to get some rest, and it'll give us a chance to talk privately.”
Sergei's eyes narrowed, but he didn't comment. Ariana shook her head, not willing to fuel whatever tension was between the two men. “No, that's all right, Hayden. I appreciate the offer, but I know you came to see Jason. It'll mean a great deal to him and my parents to know you were here for him.”
Hayden hesitated and then nodded. “Very well. I need to
