Total pages in book: 132
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127249 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 636(@200wpm)___ 509(@250wpm)___ 424(@300wpm)
Barely glancing at the bag, I acknowledge her effort with a curt nod. “Thanks.”
“The labels are designer.” Emily comes to stand next to me and stares somberly at Tatiana’s pale face. “I made a list of the stores that stock the brand.”
“Good.”
A frown pinches her brow. “Why do you think she asked for her mother?”
I’ve tortured my fair share of enemies. Even the toughest of men get to a point where they ask for their mothers, but I don’t want to think like that.
I scrub a hand over my face. “We won’t know until she’s awake.”
Emily scrutinizes me. “When was the last time you slept?”
My answer is unfriendly, letting her know her concern is unwanted. “I’m fine.”
Tatiana deserves the worry, not me.
“You should rest before she wakes up.” Emily pats my arm. “She’s going to need you when she does.”
I’m not moving an inch from this bed until Tatiana opens her eyes, be that hours or days. Nothing will drag me away from her side.
Emily knows when not to push me. She hovers for another second before taking a silver chain with a cross from her pocket. “This was with the things you gave me.” She hesitates. “It was—”
“Milena’s. Yes, I know.”
Emily dangles the chain from her fingers. “I thought you wouldn’t want this to be sent away with the clothes.”
“You thought right.”
“Where shall I put it?”
I motion with my head toward the walk-in closet. “Leave it in the drawer with her other jewelry.”
When I ordered a new wardrobe for Tatiana, I bought her a few pieces from a renowned jeweler I thought she’d like. She hasn’t even opened the drawer.
A knock on the door pulls my attention.
Jasper sticks her head around the jamb. “Sorry to bother you.” She eyes Emily with a tad of hostility. “Can Noah see his mom?”
“I can go get him,” Emily says, already moving toward the door.
I don’t miss how Jasper’s shoulders snap into a rigid line, but I let it go. I understand why Jasper sees Emily as a traitor. Tatiana felt the same way when she discovered that Emily became my employee after I killed Tatiana’s parents.
Either way, I need someone I can trust. Jasper will just have to learn to trust Emily too. Tatiana is a different story. The fact that Emily changed loyalty to the other side is a bitter pill for her to swallow. I have no idea how she’ll react when she wakes up to find Emily here, but I’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
“Bring him,” I tell Emily.
He’s only seen his mother briefly after the doctor put her on a drip.
When Emily leaves, Jasper comes closer. “Can I?”
I’m careful when I put Tatiana’s hand back under the covers. Her bones are so delicate they may crack under the slightest pressure. “Come in.”
I leave Tatiana’s other hand on top of the covers. I don’t want to disturb the needle feeding vital fluids into a vein.
Jasper swallows audibly. “Anything?”
I told her Tatiana asked for her mother and how she reacted when she woke up in my room.
A single shake of my head suffices as a reply. I can’t speak through the knot that’s lodged in my throat.
Jasper pats my back. “She’ll be fine. Tiana is stronger than you think.”
I’ve never doubted that she has strength in spades.
Emily returns, carrying Noah on her hip. He immediately holds out his arms when he sees me. Warmth spreads through my chest as I take him from Emily and hold his small body against me.
He sticks his thumb in his mouth, something he’s been doing a lot since Tatiana disappeared.
“Hey there, buddy.” I smile. “What have you and Jasper been up to?”
“Painting,” he mumbles around his thumb.
“Paintings, huh? Did you make one for me?”
He nods, pulls his thumb from his mouth, and says demurely, “It’s a surprise.”
“In that case, I won’t ask what it is and spoil the surprise.”
“It’s the big plane, the one you and me and Mommy flew in.”
I can’t help but chuckle. Noah isn’t good at keeping secrets. “I can’t wait to see it.”
Sniffling, Jasper wipes tears from her cheeks.
Noah stares at the still shape of his mother. “Why doesn’t she open her eyes?”
“She will.” I brush a hand over his head. “For now, she’s resting.”
“Is she tired?”
“Yes.” I swallow down the lump in my throat. “She was hurt, and she needs rest to recover.”
“Did she fall like me when I played soccer?”
Emily gives me a look. “Your mommy is going to be fine, but we have to let her sleep. Come on, big man. It’s time for lunch.”
I put him on his feet. “Go with Emily. When you’re done, we can read a story here.”
He perks up. “Really?”
“Sure thing. I think your mom will like that.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
He hugs me before running ahead of Emily to the door.
“Slow down, Noah.” Emily hurries after him. “You may break a bone if you fall.”