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)
“I appreciate it. I’m just getting my girls settled, then things will return to normal.”
He raises an eyebrow at me. “Your girls?”
“Nina and Simi.”
“I know who you mean, I’m just surprised to hear you call them your girls. You’re a one-and-done kind of guy.”
I let out a sigh as I shrug. “That’s in the past. Nina is it for me so you can spread the word that everyone can prepare themselves to see her by my side at get-togethers.”
His head jerks back with surprise. “Fuck, that’s fast. It’s been…like a week or so.”
“Don’t care.” I begin to walk again and lift my hand in a wave. “I’ll see you around.”
“The poker game is at my place next week.”
Fuck, I forgot.
I stop dead in my tracks. “I might have to skip this one. I’ll let you know.”
“The others will be pissed if you’re not there. It’s tradition, and everyone is worried about you.”
“My life is a little up in the air right now. I said I’ll let you know.”
He nods, worry causing a frown to form on his forehead. “Okay. I’m here if you need anything.”
I lock eyes with him as I give him a chin lift. “Thanks, Enzo.”
We go our separate ways, and when I step into the second elevator and the doors shut, Rosie’s voice comes over the speaker. “Don’t worry, Georgi. I’ll update the others that you’re doing okay, and they need to chill. You take all the time you need. I’ll also slap Enzo up the head for pressuring you.”
A smile widens over my face. “Thanks, sweetheart. You’re special people.”
“I know.” I think she forgets to let go of the button activating the speaker because I hear her snap, “Why do you have to be such an asshole, Enzo! You can see Georgi has a lot on his plate right now. The stupid poker games can wait.”
“When did you last clean this place?” I hear him ask.
“What the hell are you doing?” Rosie gasps. “I wasn’t done eating that chocolate. Enzo!”
The speaker goes silent, and I shake my head while I get my ass out of the building and whatever drama is between those two.
Chapter 25
Nina
After I’m done giving Simi dinner and bathing her, I get her settled in bed and read her a story.
The past several days have been nothing short of heavenly. The food Georgi’s mom brings is always mouthwateringly good. He told me she’s a world-class chef and that he’ll take us to her restaurant sometime.
Everything was going so well.
Simi and I have closets full of gorgeous clothes. Much more than we’ll ever need. I actually had to pack all of Simi’s things in another room. After all the furniture arrived that Georgi ordered for her, transforming her bedroom into an enchanted kingdom, Simi announced that she wants to sleep in her own bed.
Then the visit to the hospital happened. It was nerve-wracking, and when we left, Georgi looked very angry.
It’s been hours since he went to visit Raya, and my anxiety has only increased.
I don’t know what caused Georgi’s anger, I just know from bitter experience that when men like him get upset, women like me pay.
Noticing Simi has fallen asleep, her arms on either side of her with her fingers relaxed and not clenched into fists, there’s a burst of happiness in my heart.
It’s been a dream come true spending so much time with her and getting to be her mother.
All because of Georgi.
Worry quickly dims my happiness, and carefully getting up, I adjust the pink and silver covers around my daughter before walking to the door. I pause for a moment, taking in the whimsical merry-go-round lamp with prancing horses. The light reflects stars onto the ceiling, so the room isn’t too dark.
“I love you, milo moe,” I whisper before I pull the door shut.
I glance down at the powder blue silk camisole and matching shorts I changed into after I showered, the sheer nightgown drifting around my body, and I wonder if I should go downstairs and wait for Georgi or go to bed.
I’d rather be downstairs if he comes home and takes his anger out on me than in my bedroom, where Simi might hear.
My bare feet pat over the dark tiles as I walk to the stairs, and taking them down, I grip my nightgown, pulling it tighter around my body.
At the bottom, I pause and glance down at the pajamas that seem a little too…provocative.
I’ve always kept myself covered at Boris’ house and tried my best not to draw the men’s attention.
My heart speeds up a little as I glance at the foyer.
Georgi has made it clear in many ways that he won’t try anything until I’m ready.
The reminder eases the tension surrounding my outfit, and I walk to the sunken living room, taking a seat on one of the couches. I lean forward and cross my arms before resting them on my thighs.