“Not by blood, but in every way that matters.”
My teeth tug at my bottom lip, and when Georgi’s eyes lower to my mouth, I instantly free my lip. “Uhm…it doesn’t look like your family and friends are happy that you took Simi and me.” When it sounds like I’m complaining, my eyes widen, and I ramble, “I understand why, though. They must be very angry that I lured you into that trap. I hated every second of it and felt terrible. I did it against my will. It was either you or Simi. I’m so sorry.”
Georgi presses his index finger to my lips, stopping me.
“Yes, they’re upset because of what happened, but all that matters is that I understand why you did it. You were as much a prisoner as I was.” When the panic in me retreats, he continues, “They will all get to know you, and things will get better. Don’t worry about it, Nina.”
I tilt my head as I look down, my line of sight focusing on one of the buttons of his shirt. “You don’t know me either.”
“Let’s solve that problem now. Tell me about yourself.” He moves away from me and pulls a stool closer, taking a seat.
Georgi doesn’t look comfortable at all, and when I jump off the marble top, he reacts incredibly fast, catching me before my feet can even touch the ground.
“Christ! You’re so fucking tiny. Don’t ever do that again. You could’ve hurt yourself,” he snaps while steadying me on my feet, and as he lets go and turns away, I see the flash of pain ripple over his face.
“I’m sorry. I wanted to say, let’s go sit on the couches, so you can be more comfortable. I also want to clean your wounds.”
“I need to shower first.” He waves a hand over the kitchen. “Look around the penthouse and familiarize yourself with where everything is while I clean up.”
“Okay.”
My eyes track Georgi as he leaves the kitchen, and for a couple of minutes I stand still, replaying everything he said.
God, I hope this is real.
My footfall is soft as I walk over the dark tiles toward the sunken living room. The leather couches form half an oval shape, all facing the black stone wall that stands free in the middle of the room. An electric fire burns beneath a large TV.
I trail my fingers over the expensive leather of the couch as I walk to the towering windows, looking at all the city lights that shimmer like a field of stars.
I can feel the wealth all around me. I might have lived in a mansion, but it pales in comparison to this penthouse.
I walk toward the dining room, running my fingers lightly over the polished table, imagining a candlelight dinner, the flames reflecting off the crystal. I picture Georgi sitting at the head of the table while Simi makes him laugh.
The thought is so tender it catches me off guard.
As if I’m running away from it, I hurry down the hallway until I reach his study, and the moment I step inside, I feel as though I’ve crossed into some private part of him. The scent of his cologne is strong in here.
Without realizing what I’m doing, I inhale a deep breath.
There are several books, and looking closer, I see they’re thick, beautifully bound catalogs of expensive watches, Bugatti, and Sotheby’s auction catalogs.
I glance around, noticing things I didn’t see when I was in here earlier. There’s a computer and framed photos on his desk. Moving closer to peek at them, I find myself staring at the happy memories, Georgi chose to display where he works.
One is of his parents in a kitchen. His mom is cooking, and his dad is watching her with a loving expression on his face. The other is of Raya in a beautiful gown. I think it’s her prom photo.
The last is of all four of them posing for the camera.
They look happy.
I realize why he’s so different. He was raised in a loving home.
That’s what I want most for Simi.
Chapter 20
Georgi
It takes me longer than usual to shower, but once I’m dried off and wearing a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, I leave my bedroom barefoot.
