My eyebrows draw together. “Do I really have to stay in bed? It’s all I’ve done the past three days. Can’t I keep you company in the kitchen?”
She shakes her head. “You’ll stay in bed. Tomorrow we’ll see about you moving around.”
Reluctantly, I slump back against the pillows, my eyes following Nisa out of the room.
With plenty of time to think, my thoughts are filled with everything that’s happened. What it was like growing up in Tymon’s house. How much I miss my mother, now that Nisa has reminded me of how it feels to be cared for.
The ups and downs since I started working for Gabriel. Whenever he got angry with me, he never hurt me. He’s taken care of me while I was sick and didn’t discard me like trash.
I turn onto my side and bury my face in a pillow, emotions whirling inside me until they spill from my eyes.
Silently, I shed a few tears because there’s one thing I’ve realized the past three days – Gabriel is not Tymon. He won’t kill me if I’m sick, beat me if I make a mistake, or threaten me with death just for the sadistic pleasure it gives him.
Gabriel really cares about his employees, and I’m one of them.
Thank you, God.
Having been deprived of any kind of affection for so many years, I don’t know how to process all the appreciation pouring into my heart. These people have become very important to me, and I’ll do anything to stay with them.
I find myself crying for the cold years I had to endure and the blessings that have come into my life.
All because of Gabriel Demir, I no longer have to just exist. Instead, I get to live and experience all the goodness life has to offer.
I owe him everything.
The most intense feeling I’ve ever felt fills my chest. I press a hand to my heart and manage to stop crying. My gaze rests on the armchair he spent the night in, and I remember all the times he got up to help me, how gentle he was, his voice soothing and patient.
Slowly the corners of my mouth curve up.
He might not be my prince, but he’s definitely my savior. I’ll spend the rest of my life thanking him. I’ll never disobey him.
Not out of fear but because of loyalty.
Chapter 20
Gabriel
I arrive at the club just in time for the conference call with the rest of the Priesthood.
It’s been a while since I heard from any of them, and I assume it means business is going well for them.
Opening my encrypted laptop, I go to the application Viktor, the head of the Bratva, created. His ally and best friend Luca, the head of the Italian mafia, had to go to Italy for business, so we couldn’t meet in LA like we usually do.
One by one, each of the men signs into the chat. Viktor is first, followed by Nikolas, who’s in charge of a Greek syndicate, then Liam, the head of the Irish mafia, and lastly, Luca.
“Gentlemen,” Luca says as he gets comfortable in a chair.
I’ve only joined the Priesthood for the peace treaty it ensures. The last thing I want is to go up against one of these men, and forming an alliance with them was the better option. It also brings in more money, so I can’t complain.
“How’s business?” Luca asks.
“It’s quiet now that the Sicilians have been dealt with,” Liam answers.
Nikolas nods. “Yeah, no problems on my side.”
“How’s married life?” Viktor asks with a chuckle.
Liam fucking grins from ear to ear. “Good.”
“My wife hasn’t tried to kill me, so I’m taking it as a win,” Nikolas jokes.
I’m not one to chat about idle things, so I just listen.
Suddenly Viktor says, “I hear you attacked Tymon Mazur?”
My eyes flick to his face on the screen. “I did.”
Interest flickers in all the men’s eyes. It’s Luca who asks, “Why?”
“I have a debt to settle with him,” I answer vaguely, feeling I don’t have to explain my actions. “Does anyone have a problem with it?”
They all shake their heads, then Viktor says, “Just say if there’s anything we can help with. We know you like to work alone, but we’re here for backup.”
“Thank you,” I murmur.
Luca steers the conversation toward the shipments of arms we currently have on the road, and once we’re discussing everything, the meeting comes to a close.
As I shut my laptop, Emre comes into the office. “I hear Lara’s better today?”
“Yes, she didn’t wake up so much last night.” I glance at my wristwatch, checking the time. It’s only two in the afternoon.
“Do you have somewhere to be?” my cousin asks.
I shake my head. “Just finished the meeting with the Priesthood.”
“I have a new buyer arriving in a couple of minutes. Want to sit in on the meeting?”