Georgi glances at me, and I don’t know what he sees, but he moves his right hand and covers both of mine, giving them a gentle squeeze. “Drink your tea,mishle.”
“Mama’s not a little mouse,” Simi says, before laughing.
“You’re right.” Georgi chuckles with her. “What should I call her?”
“Hmm…” Simi thinks for a moment, then grins up at Georgi. “I’m your little princess, and Mama is your princess.”
I swear you can hear a pin drop in the cabin following Simi’s words.
Feeling like this situation is getting away from me, I reach for her, but Georgi shakes his head at me, then turns his attention back to her. “You’re right. I’ll remember that.”
Simi gets comfortable against his chest while I remain tense beside them.
Maybe I should stop these interactions between them. It will break Simi if Georgi doesn’t keep his promises. She’s already suffered too much.
“Relax,” Georgi suddenly says to me. “Sit back and try to get some rest. You’re exhausted and only dozed off for ten minutesearlier.” When I don’t respond, he adds, “We’re in the air, Nina. Simi won’t go anywhere. Get some sleep.”
I glance over the other men, and when my gaze falls on Raya, she smiles. “If Simi needs anything, I’ll help.”
I’ve only known Georgi for five days, and Raya is a complete stranger.
Simi might trust them, but I don’t. I know better.
Georgi
Once things are calm again, Dad asks, “Will Raya handle everything while you take some time off?”
As I continue to rub my thumb softly over the middle of Simi’s back, I nod at my father. “Yes.” My gaze turns to my sister. “Raya knows the business inside out. I know she can run it smoothly.”
She smiles at me, beaming from the faith I have in her.
“Your mother is going to want to see you the moment you get home,” Dad warns me. “I don’t know how you’re going to explain the woman and child to her.”
“Good luck with that,” Augusto says, letting out a chuckle.
“Mom will understand,” I reply. “Tell her to go to my place with food. Lots of food.” I glance down and notice Simi has fallen asleep. “Oh, and desserts. Have her stop at the store and get snacks that are good for a child. Simi likes cheese.”
“Now I’m making a shopping list for you?” Dad grumbles while pulling his phone out of his pocket. “Do it yourself and send it to your mother.”
I glance down at the sweet girl in my lap, then lift an eyebrow at him. “My hands are full.”
Dad mutters something under his breath, then says, “Fine. Give me the list.”
“I already did. Food. Desserts. Healthy snacks. Cheese.” Grinning at my father, who shoots me a glare, I feel a sense of normalcy returning to my life. “Oh, and juice.” Right after that thought, they keep coming. “Probably clothes. Toys. All the stuff you bought when you brought Raya and me home.”
Dad’s eyes soften for a moment as he remembers the adoption, then he says, “Got it.”
I turn my head to ask Nina if she needs anything, but seeing she’s finally fallen asleep, I let out a relieved sigh.
I’m not going to lie, I’m fucking worried about her. I only saw what her life was like for four days, and that alone was a horror show.
I’m worried she’ll never be able to recover.
“Your mom says she’ll make sure everything is at the penthouse when you get home. She’s roping Tori and Eden in to help.”
Looking at Dad again, I grin. “Tell her I appreciate it.”
As he types out a text, Adriano gets up and comes to crouch beside me while Augusto is on a call with someone.