“If you’re so thankful, you can repay me by letting us go.”
“Nope.”
I hear a soft sigh escape her, and when I open my eyes again, it’s to find her staring at Simi.
“She’s not going anywhere. Get some sleep.”
Nina shakes her head, and when Simi turns onto her other side, facing me, she adjusts her little shirt that has a stain on it.
I only know of the hell Nina endured the past four days, and I’m sure there’s a lot more I’ll find out. It makes me worry about Simi.
“Did they hurt her?” I ask.
When Nina remains quiet, my worst fears make my voice turn hoarse. “Fuck, Nina. Please tell me they didn’t…”
She shakes her head quickly and looks at me. “They never did that. They just kept us apart. I was only allowed to see her for two hours every day. They threatened to hurt her if I disobeyed any orders, so I did what I was told.”
Jesus fucking Christ.
I have no words, and that’s saying a lot because I’m well known for never shutting up. Eventually, I think to say, “I won’t use your kid against you. That’s fucked up, even for me.”
When I see hope flutter over her face, I try to think of something else I can say to keep it there, but the door opens, and Dad comes in.
“How do you feel?” He only spares Nina a glance as he comes around the bed.
“I’m fine.”
He narrows his eyes at me. “Like hell you are. You look like shit, son. What happened, and what’s the deal with the woman and kid?”
“I was just tortured a little. The usual thing.” Pulling myself up against the pillows, I gesture at Nina. “They’re coming with me.”
“Why?”
“Because I say so.” Dad stares at me, very unhappy with my answers. Letting out a huff, I add, “She’s mine.”
Dad lifts an eyebrow at me. “You decided that in a span of four days while being beaten and fuck knows what else.”
“Yes.”
He nods while glancing at Nina again.
Smirking, I say, “I know what I’m doing.”
“Hmm…” His eyes return to me and rake over my body. “I still feel very strongly about taking you to the hospital.”
“Nina’s taken good care of me up until now. Once I’m home, I’ll pay Dr. Milazzo a visit and have him give me a complete check-up just to set your mind at ease.”
“Okay.” Dad leans down and places his hand on my shoulder where a dull pain throbs deep in my muscles.
“Do you know what’s going on with the deal I made with Atanas?” I ask.
“Raya somehow managed to handle it all while we were looking for you. You did a good thing by making her your underboss.” He pauses for a moment, then says, “Atanas is very impressed with her.”
“I bet he is,” I grumble.
Dad lets out a chuckle, and shaking his head, he pulls his hand away and begins to walk to the door. “Get some sleep, son. We’re leaving early. Any business you have with Atanas can be done over the phone.”
I nod, and after the door shuts behind him, I climb out of bed. Once again, I have to suppress a groan because it hurts like a bitch to move.