Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73724 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 369(@200wpm)___ 295(@250wpm)___ 246(@300wpm)
When Knight brings her a glass of water, I say, “Thank you.”
I help Aunt Marina hold the glass because she’s shaking badly and watch as she takes a couple of sips.
“I put sugar in the water to help her calm down,” Knight mentions.
I glance up at him, and seeing his eyes locked on me with worry almost has me bursting out in tears again. I quickly look away, forcing my attention back to my aunt.
It takes a while before she calms down enough to ask, “Did they suffer?”
“No. It was quick,” I answer, assuming Mom was also shot. I leave out the details about Eleni. “The alliance members had them buried in Athens.”
“Theé mou,” she gasps ‘my God.’ Aunt Marina lifts her hand to my face and cups my cheek. “And you? They told me you’re in hospital. That you were shot.”
“I’m fine.” I shrug to downplay my injuries. “Mere fleshwounds. I promise I’m fine.”
She nods quickly while her fingers brush over my cheek. “Do you know who was behind the attack?”
Dad never allowed Aunt Marina to know things about the organization. As Mom’s sister, he said she had no business knowing intricate details of the mafia.
But now she’s the only family I can lean on, so I answer, “It was the bratva. I’m going to be very busy, and I need you to stay here where it’s safe until I’ve dealt with everything.”
“Of course,” she quickly agrees. Worry fills her eyes. “Are you taking over as the head of the business?”
My voice is filled with authority as I reply, “Yes.”
She nods again, but her chin starts to quiver. “Just be careful, agápi mou. I can’t lose you as well.”
“You won’t,” I assure her. I get up from the couch while saying, “Let me show you to your room.”
Aunt Marina climbs to her feet while asking, “When will we go to Athens to get your mother and sisters’ belongings? You will need clothes as well.”
Shit.
I stop, and turning around to look at her, I rub my fingertips over my temple where a dull headache is starting to pulse. “I’ll go on my own. It’s not safe out there for you.”
“Okay.”
I lead Aunt Marina to one of the three guest rooms that has a view of a koi pond and watch as she glances around.
“This will be home for a long while,” I warn her. “You can’t go back to New Zealand until my position as the head of the organization is solidified and the bratva has been dealt with.”
“I understand,” she says while coming to take my hand and giving my fingers a gentle squeeze.
My throat strains as I fight back the tears, and I whisper, “Thank you. I’ll have the staff bring your luggage. I assume it’s in the main building?”
She nods. “You have so much work. I’ll quickly walk across and get my luggage. Don’t worry about me.”
I close the short distance between us and give her a tight hug. “Thank you for coming. I appreciate it so much.”
“Anything for you, agápi mou.”
Tears sting my eyes, and I let go of her and rush out of the room before I break down in front of her. I hurry to my bedroom, and as I turn to shut the door, Knight follows me inside. With one arm he reaches for me while he closes the door with his other hand.
As he pulls me to his chest, it feels as if a wave of emotions hit, threatening to swipe my feet from under me.
I wish I could crawl into a corner and take months to cry for the loss of my family, but I don’t have the luxury of time to mourn them.
Instead, I steal ten minutes and wrap my arms around Knight’s waist while burying my face against his chest.
As I let the tears flow, his palm brushes up and down my back and I feel him press a kiss to the top of my head.
This man is quickly becoming more than my bodyguard. He’s doing so much more than protecting me.
But from the things he’s said, I get the feeling he views me as a little sister. He’s doing all of this to make up for failing Ronnie.
I’m nothing more than his chance at redemption.
The thought has me pulling back. “Thanks, but I need to freshen up. Do you mind waiting in the living room?” I avoid meeting his eyes as I move around him and start to walk to the bathroom. “Or you can go to your apartment. After a shower, I’m going to get to work.”
“I’ve moved into the room beside yours,” he mutters, stopping me dead in my tracks.
I turn around. “You moved in?”
“Yes. I’m not leaving your side.”
“Oh.” I turn back to the bathroom. “Okay.” I step inside and take hold of the door, thinking to add, “Make yourself at home.”