“A late-night snack is always my favorite,” he whispers conspiratorially.
My eyebrows shoot up when he says late night. “Silas, what time is it?”
He looks around, hemming and hawing without giving me a straight answer. “Let’s just go before—”
His words are cut off by the voice of a woman. “Mr. Kardoni, what are you doing? You're supposed to be resting.”
Silas sighs, rolling his eyes like a teenager before answering her. “I’m talking to my nipote acquisita. We’re going to get a snack. She’s a nurse and can do your job, so you can go away now.”
I gasp at the bluntness of his tone. “Silas, be nice to her. She’s going to have to do my job for a few weeks. I was instructed to take off for a couple of weeks.”
Silas's eyes go sharp in a way that tells me I’m dealing with the head of the Kardoni family. The man who fought and bled for this family to have the power it does. “Are you leaving? Are you sick? What would it take to make sure you don’t leave?”
I wrap my arm around his waist from the side. “Don’t worry, Si. I’m not leaving. I just have to rest for a couple of weeks.”
“So, you are sick?” he snaps, getting upset.
I squeeze him. “No, not sick. I promise it will all make sense later. For now, you must just be patient and be nice to the other nurses.”
He looks down at me, searching my face for answers, but I just smile up at him.
“Fine. Now, are you ready to get some food?” He sighs, dropping the conversation.
The new nurse eyes our closeness and sneers, “No snacks. You’re supposed to be resting and relaxing.”
Her tone is hateful, unkind, and dismissive, causing my hackles to rise. I stand up and pull away from Silas to stand in front of him protectively. The new nurse’s makeup is done to the nines and her hair is perfectly curled as if she’s looking for a man and not here to take care of Silas.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.” I make sure my tone is kind.
She places a hand on her hip and glares. “That would be because I didn’t give it.”
“Well, I’m Tinsley, his current nurse. We’re going to grab something quick in the kitchen. If you would like to come, you’re welcome to join us. If not, I can let you know when he’s back in his room.” I turn to Silas and say, “Let’s go, Si. I’m starved.”
“Listen here, you wanna-be little nurse, it’s too late for a snack according to the current master of the house.” She crosses her arms under her chest, pushing her tits up.
Her words are like a slap in the face because, although I might be a young nurse, I’ve worked my ass off to specialize in Alzheimer’s and memory loss care. I’m currently studying to get several certifications in this specific area of care.
“There is no reason to be disrespectful. Everyone in this home treats each other with respect and kindness. If you can’t do that, then we can have a conversation with themaster of the home.” I meet her head-on.
I might not bite back, allowing people to act how they want to a point—but I was raised in this world, and I can see right through this tramp's games.
She stomps down the hallway with her finger pointed at me. “Andre hired me to take care of his grandfather, and no one is going to keep me from doing that. If you had a say or were important, then he would have mentioned you when he interviewed me this afternoon and hired me on the spot. Now, if you want to stay here and be welcomed, mind your manners and stay the fuck out of my way.”
Seven
Andre
After we got back from Dr. Hannah’s office, Tinsley nearly sprinted away from me. I closed myself off in my office trying to get things taken care of between the O’Malleys, my cousins in Atlanta, and Martin Davis so the newest shipments are taken care of. I took a small break to hire a nurse to work along with Tinsley so she’s not having to do so much and to talk with Vito and Bryce about the issue with Kingston Reeves.
All of this was made harder because I couldn’t wipe away the fact that I’m going to be a father from my mind. The longer I thought about it, the more I thought of my father and mother and how they’re going to miss their grandchildren being born. Fighting the need to go check on Tinsley and make sure that she’s okay and doesn’t need anything has drained me, and I’m done fighting it.
As I march up the stairs, voices carry to me and cause my anger and frustration to finally boil over.
“Listen here, you wanna-be little nurse, it’s too late for a snack according to the current master of the house,” the new nurse's voice slices my last nerve.
Still, I stop to find out exactly who she is talking to as if she’s more than just the hired help.
“There is no reason to be disrespectful. Everyone in this home treats each other with respect and kindness. If you can’t do that, then we can have a conversation with the master of the home.” Tinsley’s voice is sharp but still diplomatic in a way that does not shock me at all.
