“I’d really appreciate it if we could move on from this subject.”
Mom gathers herself and nods. “Okay. Ah…so I’ll keep bringing food over. Send me any shopping lists you have.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I press a kiss to her forehead.
Dad gently rubs my shoulder. “Have Nina look at your…bruises. Keep me up to date with what’s happening.”
“Will do.”
I walk my parents to the elevator, and once the doors close behind them, I let out a heavy sigh.
What’s the time?
Heading to the kitchen, I check the clock on the microwave and see it’s already past ten.
I take the stairs up so I can check on Nina and tell Raya she can go home. When I near the bedroom, I hear Simi ask, “Do I really get to sleep in the big bed?”
“Yes,” Raya answers. “In this castle, all princesses have big beds.”
“Yay!”
“Don’t jump,milo moe.”
As I walk into the bedroom, Nina’s about to take hold of an excited Simi, and I say, “Leave her be. It’s fun jumping on the bed.”
“Georgi!” Simi shrieks, bouncing toward the foot of the bed with the widest smile on her face.
I move fast, and hooking my right arm around her, I catch her mid-air. She wraps her tiny arms around my neck and plasters a kiss on my cheek, then whispers, “Thank you.”
The emotion hits me square in the chest, and I fall completely in love with the sweet little girl in my hold. My voice is hoarse as I ask, “For what,malkata mi printsesa?”
“For coming to save us.”
Her eyes are big and filled with so much innocence, I make a silent vow to protect her from the evils of our world so she never loses that look.
“I’m sorry I was late,” I say, before pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“By taking me to the toy store?”
“Yes.” Grinning at her, I add, “First thing tomorrow morning, so you have to get to bed and sleep so you have energy for all those toys.”
“Yes!” She squirms in my arms, so I’ll put her down and quickly crawl beneath the covers. “Night.” She squeezes her eyes shut but can’t stop smiling.
I did that.
Christ.
Good job, Georgi.
My heart clenches before it feels like it’s exploding with affection for Simi, and the moment is so intense, I have to rub my hand over my chest.
When I glance at Nina and see terror darkening her eyes, it pops the bubble.
I clear my throat again and look at Raya. “Thanks for everything.”
“No problem. I’ll stay on top of things and keep you in the loop. Take off as much time as you need.”
A smirk forms around my mouth. “Don’t look so happy to be rid of me.”