“There’s no sign of Boris,” I hear Atanas Petkov growl angrily.
Glancing over the banister, I see the head of the Bulgarian mafia and his men, fully armed.
Not wanting to hang around a second longer than needed, and knowing Nina isn’t thinking rationally because of the rape and watching her daughter almost die, I turn my attention back to her and say, “You’re coming with me, Nina, even if I have to carry you out of here.”
When Santino takes hold of her arm again, she jerks hard, and it has me ordering, “Let go of her. She’ll come on her own.” Nina’s eyes dart to mine, and I tilt my head as I ask, “Right?”
She quickly nods and takes a step away from Santino.
I hold my hand out to her and gesture with a curl of my fingers for her to come to me.
Still looking wild and out of it, she slowly inches closer.
“No one is going to hurt you,” I say, hoping the words sink in. Noticing the scared expression on the girl’s face, I switch to Bulgarian and smile at her. “You’re safe now, little one.”
“Mama…” The mini version of Nina gives me a curious look. “Why is he so dirty and bloody? I thought he would be clean and have a sword.”
“Shh…” Nina’s hand trembles terribly as she places her palm against Simi’s cheek. Her voice is hoarse and filled with fear as she tries to smile and look brave for her child. “We’re going on a little adventure. Okay?”
“Tell Santino where Simi’s room is so my men can get her belongings.”
Nina’s eyes snap to me, and even though she gives me a pleading look, she says, “On the third floor. The one by the bodies.”
Santino gives orders over a radio, and once he’s done, I lock eyes with him. “Go to the basement. The first room is Nina’s. Bring everything.”
“There’s no time for this,” Dad snaps. “You need medical care right now.”
“Nina will patch me up at the hotel,” I mutter as I gently place my hand on her side, nudging her toward the stairs.
She walks stiffly beside me, holding her daughter tightly. Simi’s eyes keep drifting all over my face, and when I meet her big brown eyes, a hopeful smile curves her mouth.
I return the smile, then wink at her.
She scrunches her nose. “You stink.”
“We have to keep quiet, my sweet one,” Nina whispers.
“She’s just being honest, Mama,” I say with a chuckle. “Let her be.”
Nina gives me a surprised look, but it disappears as quickly as it came when we reach the front door.
Atanas glances at Nina and Simi before meeting my eyes. “Christ, you look like shit.”
“I’ve been better.”
“After you were taken, I moved Raya and your men to my place. I hope you don’t mind.” The instant my expression darkens, he lets out a chuckle. “Don’t stress. I didn’t touch her.”
“Raya is safe,” Dad says to set my mind at ease. “Atanas has been a great help, letting us all stay with him.”
Feeling less worried, I give Atanas a grateful look, and knowing my sister is okay, my thoughts instantly turn back to Nina.
The memory of Anton forcing himself on her shudders through me, and I growl, “I want to see all the bodies.”
“Why?” Dad asks.
“I’m looking for a specific man.”
Nina stiffens even more beside me.
