I don’t know what caused Georgi’s anger, I just know from bitter experience that when men like him get upset, women like me pay.
Noticing Simi has fallen asleep, her arms on either side of her with her fingers relaxed and not clenched into fists, there’s a burst of happiness in my heart.
It’s been a dream come true spending so much time with her and getting to be her mother.
All because of Georgi.
Worry quickly dims my happiness, and carefully getting up, I adjust the pink and silver covers around my daughter beforewalking to the door. I pause for a moment, taking in the whimsical merry-go-round lamp with prancing horses. The light reflects stars onto the ceiling, so the room isn’t too dark.
“I love you,milo moe,” I whisper before I pull the door shut.
I glance down at the powder blue silk camisole and matching shorts I changed into after I showered, the sheer nightgown drifting around my body, and I wonder if I should go downstairs and wait for Georgi or go to bed.
I’d rather be downstairs if he comes home and takes his anger out on me than in my bedroom, where Simi might hear.
My bare feet pat over the dark tiles as I walk to the stairs, and taking them down, I grip my nightgown, pulling it tighter around my body.
At the bottom, I pause and glance down at the pajamas that seem a little too…provocative.
I’ve always kept myself covered at Boris’ house and tried my best not to draw the men’s attention.
My heart speeds up a little as I glance at the foyer.
Georgi has made it clear in many ways that he won’t try anything until I’m ready.
The reminder eases the tension surrounding my outfit, and I walk to the sunken living room, taking a seat on one of the couches. I lean forward and cross my arms before resting them on my thighs.
Staring at the elevator, I’m wound tight while I wait.
What if he doesn’t come home tonight?
Just as I think the thought, the doors slide open and Georgi walks into the large foyer.
I dart to my feet and fist my hands at my sides, my eyes locked on him.
He tucks his phone into his pocket and lifts his head, looking in the direction of the staircase, then his head snaps to me, and he stops dead in his tracks.
His lips part, and his features tighten with what I think is appreciation. Clearing his throat, he comes closer, his voice a little hoarse as he says, “This is one hell of a sight to come home to.”
What does that mean?
Stopping in front of me, he lifts his hand but then seems to change his mind and lowers it again.
“You look beautiful, Nina.”
I search his eyes, but there are no traces of the anger I saw earlier. The knot in my chest vanishes, and his compliment makes warmth take its place.
“I’m glad you like the pajamas. You paid for everything.”
“Don’t do that.” He shakes his head hard. “The clothes belong to you, Nina. Accept it.”
He’s right. I’ve been constantly aware of everything he bought us and haven’t thought of it as mine.
“I’m sorry. I’ll work on that.”
Nodding, he moves past me and drops down on the couch.
I turn around to look at him, and worried that he hasn’t eaten, I ask, “Have you had dinner?”
