Emily glances at Tatiana’s motionless figure that’s so tiny she looks lost in my big bed. “How’s she doing?”
If my reply is harsh, it’s because I’m blaming myself for the events that led to this macabre state of affairs. “The doctor said she’ll be fine.”
Emily sighs and rounds the bed. “Here are the clothes and pearls she was wearing.” She puts the bag on the dresser. “I handled them with gloves as you instructed.”
Barely glancing at the bag, I acknowledge her effort with a curt nod. “Thanks.”
“The labels are designer.” Emily comes to stand next to me and stares somberly at Tatiana’s pale face. “I made a list of the stores that stock the brand.”
“Good.”
A frown pinches her brow. “Why do you think she asked for her mother?”
I’ve tortured my fair share of enemies. Even the toughest of men get to a point where they ask for their mothers, but I don’t want to think like that.
I scrub a hand over my face. “We won’t know until she’s awake.”
Emily scrutinizes me. “When was the last time you slept?”
My answer is unfriendly, letting her know her concern is unwanted. “I’m fine.”
Tatiana deserves the worry, not me.
“You should rest before she wakes up.” Emily pats my arm. “She’s going to need you when she does.”
I’m not moving an inch from this bed until Tatiana opens her eyes, be that hours or days. Nothing will drag me away from her side.
Emily knows when not to push me. She hovers for another second before taking a silver chain with a cross from her pocket. “This was with the things you gave me.” She hesitates. “It was?—”
“Milena’s. Yes, I know.”
Emily dangles the chain from her fingers. “I thought you wouldn’t want this to be sent away with the clothes.”
“You thought right.”
“Where shall I put it?”
I motion with my head toward the walk-in closet. “Leave it in the drawer with her other jewelry.”
When I ordered a new wardrobe for Tatiana, I bought her a few pieces from a renowned jeweler I thought she’d like. She hasn’t even opened the drawer.
A knock on the door pulls my attention.
Jasper sticks her head around the jamb. “Sorry to bother you.” She eyes Emily with a tad of hostility. “Can Noah see his mom?”
“I can go get him,” Emily says, already moving toward the door.
I don’t miss how Jasper’s shoulders snap into a rigid line, but I let it go. I understand why Jasper sees Emily as a traitor. Tatiana felt the same way when she discovered that Emily became my employee after I killed Tatiana’s parents.
Either way, I need someone I can trust. Jasper will just have to learn to trust Emily too. Tatiana is a different story. The fact that Emily changed loyalty to the other side is a bitter pill for her to swallow. I have no idea how she’ll react when she wakes up to find Emily here, but I’ll cross that bridge when we get there.
“Bring him,” I tell Emily.
He’s only seen his mother briefly after the doctor put her on a drip.
When Emily leaves, Jasper comes closer. “Can I?”
I’m careful when I put Tatiana’s hand back under the covers. Her bones are so delicate they may crack under the slightest pressure. “Come in.”
