I cup her face, my thumb gently wiping away the stray tear that has fallen. "What do you say we go get you something to eat? I think Mase would like to have you at dinner with us."
She nods, giving me a smile. "Thank you."
Chapter Twenty-One
I hadn't realised I was hungry until Ice mentioned about going for food. But as we make it into the main room, I can hear a lot of chatter coming from the dining room, and I suddenly feel anxious. I've been here a few days, and while people have been nice enough, I've not been around many of them at the same time.
I look around the room and notice Mason isn't in here, I'm guessing he's in the room with everyone else. My steps begin to slow. I don't know why I'm so nervous, I work in a busy diner. Maybe it's because I'm in their home, and because they know more about me than I know about them.
"Ice." We both turn to see Nitro walking toward us. "Office, now."
"She needs food, Prez," Ice tells him.
Nitro watches me as he yells across the room "Candy, bring her a plate of food to my office."
"Can I see Mason, please?" I ask.
"Candy, bring the kid first," he yells. "Now, you two, my office." He turns away and heads toward his office.
"Let's go," Ice tells me, reaching for my hand.
"What's wrong? Did I do something?" I ask, panicked. What if they know who my uncle is? What if they want to send us back?
"Hey, breathe. Nothing is wrong, you didn't do anything, Prez just wants to talk." He grabs my hand and pulls me in the direction Nitro just headed in. "Come on, it's fine,” he tells me.
The room is warm, too warm, and the smell of cigars and whiskey makes me feel nauseous.
"You look like you're gonna be sick, sweetheart, you okay?" Nitro asks.
"I'm okay, it's a little warm in here," I tell him.
I see him give a chin lift to Ice who let’s go of my hand and walks back toward the door. I think he’s leaving, but when I turn around, I see him messing with an aircon unit on the wall.
"Nova," Mason yells as he races toward me.
"Hey, buddy. Are you okay? I'm so sorry," I tell him.
"I'm sorry. I know we said we wouldn’t tell, but it just came out. I di—"
"Shhh. Hey, no, it’s fine. You don't need to say sorry. You did the right thing. Are you okay?" I ask him again. I might be a little upset these guys know, but I don't want Mason to feel bad about telling them.
"Candy, thank you. Can you take Mason back to Wrath and Marissa to get food, please," I hear Nitro tell one of the club girls.
"Of course, Prez," she tells him. "Hey, Mason, why don't you let Nova and the guys chat." She holds out her hand for him but he shakes his head.
"No thank you. I want to stay here," he tells her. I look up and smile, mouthing ‘I'm sorry’ to her. She smiles and shakes her head like it's no big deal.
"Can you please go get food, bud? I'll be out soon, okay?" He looks at me like he's unsure if he wants to leave me or not. I give him a relaxed smile and nod for him to take Candy's hand.
"She won't be long. Come on." She says, grabbing his hand then looking to me. "I didn’t know what you wanted to eat so got a few things. There's a bottle of water and a bottle of soda, and if you want anything else, just let the guys know and I'll bring it for you." She gives me a wink then heads out with Mason, closing the door behind her.
Nitro indicates for me to take one of the seats opposite him. Ice takes the other seat, and I stand and look around the chairs for a minute. Is there any point in me sitting down if they are just going to send me home?
"Nova." Nitro snaps me out of my thoughts. "Please," he says, pointing at the chair.
I nod. "Could I please have a drink of water?" I ask.
"The drinks are for you, sweetheart, help yourself," he tells me.
