Nisa shakes her head. “You can go to your room and settle in until it’s time for dinner.”
I stop dead in my tracks. “But… won’t I get in trouble?”
I’d love to get some rest to soothe the ache in my midsection, but I can’t see how that can even be an option. I have to work to prove my worth.
She turns to face me, a slight frown forming on her forehead. Her thick black hair is braided down her back, and even though she’s in her fifties, it hasn’t dimmed her beauty.
“Why do you ask that?”
Having forgotten Gabriel’s last name, I try to remember it. Unable to, I murmur respectfully, “The boss said I have to work, and I don’t want to give him any reason to punish me.”
I’m in enough pain as it is.
Nisa’s frown darkens. “Just do as I say, and you’ll be fine. You’re still recovering from your wounds. Go to your room, settle in, and get some rest. I’ll call you when it’s time for dinner.”
Not wanting to argue and feeling a little relieved, I nod. When I turn around, Murat’s waiting to escort me back to the bedroom.
“Oh, I’ll bring you fresh towels and toiletries after I’ve taken the afternoon tea to Alya Hanim.”
I nod again, assuming Alya Hanim is Gabriel’s wife.
Crap, this is all too confusing.
Chapter 10
Lara
I’m up at the crack of dawn after a restless night of tossing and turning.
When I’m done showering, I check the lashes on my back, glad to see they’re healing and not infected. Still, they’ll leave horrible marks.
Yesterday Nisa brought me the softest towels, the same peach color as the bedding. She also brought me shampoo, conditioner, a brush, and hair ties. There are products I’ve never used or had access to before.
It feels wrong, though. Like I shouldn’t have these luxuries.
While I wonder if it’s too early to get to work, I also think about everything that happened during the past eight days.
It’s surreal.
Not once have we had stew here, and the food is delicious. It’s like there’s an explosion of tastes in my mouth during every meal.
Last night we sat at a table in a quaint little room filled with potted plants. I didn’t have to shove the food down as fast as possible while standing by the sink.
Also, Nisa and Murat have actually been nice to me. No one barks orders at me. The atmosphere in the house is pleasant and not filled with tension.
But all of this makes the apprehension grow in my chest.
It’s not what I’m used to, and it’s making me feel emotions I’ve never felt before.
Just do your best.
Keep your guard up and your head down.
Bey for mister. Hanin for miss. Evet for yes.
I go over the Turkish words I learned yesterday so I won’t forget them.
I take five minutes to squash all the new emotions down and to gather the strength for the day ahead.
Today I’m wearing a pale yellow dress with a light brown pattern. The flat shoes are comfortable, unlike the pumps I used to wear.
I noticed Nisa doesn’t wear a maid’s uniform, and I wonder if that means I won’t be wearing one as well.
There’s a lot I wonder about, but not wanting to overstep any boundaries, I keep the questions to myself.
Walking to the window, I glance outside and notice the sun’s rays are just starting to break through the darkness.
It must be past five o’clock already.
Not wanting to be late, I make sure every strand of my hair is neatly tucked into the bun before walking to the door.
Now that I have hair ties, I can maybe braid my hair like Nisa’s. Tomorrow, though. There’s no time for that now.
It’s still hard to believe I don’t have to share my sleeping space with anyone. Or a bathroom.
It’s too good to be true, which means this could be a trap of some kind. Maybe Gabriel is hoping I’ll let my guard down, and I’ll give him information on Tymon.
If only he knew I don’t know anything of worth. Not once have I lied to him.
Feeling tense and unsure in the foreign house, I cautiously open the door and peek up and down the hallway. There’s no sign of Murat.
Can I leave the room without Murat?
Crap.
I don’t know what to do, and I really don’t want to be late for my first day of work.
With my hand clutching the doorknob, I worry about what to do.
Do I wait?
Do I go to the kitchen and get to work?
This is so hard.
A door opens to my left, and when Nisa steps into the hallway, I almost let out an audible sigh of relief.
She notices me and says, “You’re up early. Let’s have some tea.”
Still hesitant, I ask, “Is it okay if I leave the room without Murat Bey?”
“Tsk.” She gestures for me to come. “As long as you’re with me, it’s okay. Just don’t wander around alone.”