Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 85834 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85834 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 429(@200wpm)___ 343(@250wpm)___ 286(@300wpm)
Simi might trust them, but I don’t. I know better.
Georgi
Once things are calm again, Dad asks, “Will Raya handle everything while you take some time off?”
As I continue to rub my thumb softly over the middle of Simi’s back, I nod at my father. “Yes.” My gaze turns to my sister. “Raya knows the business inside out. I know she can run it smoothly.”
She smiles at me, beaming from the faith I have in her.
“Your mother is going to want to see you the moment you get home,” Dad warns me. “I don’t know how you’re going to explain the woman and child to her.”
“Good luck with that,” Augusto says, letting out a chuckle.
“Mom will understand,” I reply. “Tell her to go to my place with food. Lots of food.” I glance down and notice Simi has fallen asleep. “Oh, and desserts. Have her stop at the store and get snacks that are good for a child. Simi likes cheese.”
“Now I’m making a shopping list for you?” Dad grumbles while pulling his phone out of his pocket. “Do it yourself and send it to your mother.”
I glance down at the sweet girl in my lap, then lift an eyebrow at him. “My hands are full.”
Dad mutters something under his breath, then says, “Fine. Give me the list.”
“I already did. Food. Desserts. Healthy snacks. Cheese.” Grinning at my father, who shoots me a glare, I feel a sense of normalcy returning to my life. “Oh, and juice.” Right after that thought, they keep coming. “Probably clothes. Toys. All the stuff you bought when you brought Raya and me home.”
Dad’s eyes soften for a moment as he remembers the adoption, then he says, “Got it.”
I turn my head to ask Nina if she needs anything, but seeing she’s finally fallen asleep, I let out a relieved sigh.
I’m not going to lie, I’m fucking worried about her. I only saw what her life was like for four days, and that alone was a horror show.
I’m worried she’ll never be able to recover.
“Your mom says she’ll make sure everything is at the penthouse when you get home. She’s roping Tori and Eden in to help.”
Looking at Dad again, I grin. “Tell her I appreciate it.”
As he types out a text, Adriano gets up and comes to crouch beside me while Augusto is on a call with someone.
My friend tips his head at Simi. “Are you sure about this, brother? You’ve just been through a very traumatic experience, and your life doesn’t cater for a woman and a child. You won’t be able to fuck around like you used to.”
“Aren’t you happy. I’ll leave your strippers alone,” I joke. A frown forms on his forehead, so I add, “I’m dead sure.” Knowing Nina is asleep, I admit, “She risked everything for me by setting me free, and before that she took chances that would’ve cost her severely if she was caught.” I swallow hard on the sick feeling the memory brings up. “And we went through something together that bonded us.” With absolute certainty, I say, “Nina and Simi now belong to me. Nothing will change my mind.”
He nods, then places his hand on my shoulder as he rises to his full height. “Just checking. You know I’m only looking out for you.”
“I know.”
When Adriano returns to his seat, my sight falls on Raya, who’s staring at me.
“How are you doing?” I ask her. “What happened while I was gone?”
“I’m…” She shakes her head, her chin quivering. “It was the worst four days of my life, Georgi. I thought I was going to lose my mind.”
When a tear rolls down her cheek, I say, “Dad.” Getting his attention, I nod at my sister. “Hug her for me.”
Dad gets up and moves Simi’s notepad and crayons out of the way before sitting down and pulling Raya into his arms. “It’s okay, sweetheart. Daddy’s got you.”
Raya lets go of the tension she’s been holding back and sobs softy against Dad’s chest while keeping her eyes locked on me.
“I’m fine,” I say, my tone gentle and loving. “I’m here, Raya.”
“I was so scared,” she whispers. “After the first two days, I thought you’d been killed. I never want to feel that loss again.”
Emotion wells in my chest, and I tilt my head, just keeping eye contact with my sister. “I love you.”
“Love you too.”
Suddenly, Nina grips my right arm, and when my head snaps to her, she’s shaking her head, her breath speeding up fast.
“Don’t look!” she cries.
Remembering the harrowing screams from her having nightmares, I keep my left arm steady around Simi while I reach my right one across Nina’s lap, giving her thigh a firm shake. “Wake up, Nina.”
I don’t want her screaming like that in front of everyone.
Luckily, her eyes pop open, but they’re filled with so much horror, it takes a brutal swing at my heart.