Page 65 of Relentless Sinner
“What we’re already doing. Following your lead.”
I give him a narrowed stare and wonder if this new shift in his view of me is because of the talk Eric had with him. Is this where I meet him halfway?
“That’s it? You’re not going to make your own demands?”
He leans forward and hardens his gaze. “Youare in charge now. I’m only coasting along for the rest of the journey. You tell me what you think we should do, Pakhan.”
Regardless of whatever Eric said to him, I’m glad for this new stroke of change in him because I don’t want my uncles andcousins to overpower me and put Gabriella’s life in danger. I’m not going to allow them to take her or kill her.
Neither is an option.
“We need to work in secret to protect ourselves and investigate them to figure out what else they may be planning, then eliminate the guilty to make an example to those who oppose us.”
Father gives me a tight-lipped smile. It’s not the kind you’d get when a person is sarcastic. It’s the other kind. The one you get from a person who’s been unhinged all their lives and is finally satisfied with your ideas. “Then that is what you will do.”
“Consider it done.” I nod and look out at the darkness through the window.” You should get some sleep, Father. It’s nearly sunrise.”
“No. I don’t want to sleep.” He follows my gaze. “This is where I feel closest to her. Now more than ever. I met her at sunrise.”
Her—my mother.
I would be more respectful of the sentiment but we’ve never done this before—talk about my mother, in any way.
“Sunrise?” I glance back at him.
“It was snowing and I’d just escaped from a blood battle. I was shot and wounded, lying on the ground. She found me and saved me.”
I’ve never heard that story before. I don’t know what the fuck Eric must have said to reach the human part of this monster, but I’m listening.
“What happened after?”
“Everything.”
Together we gaze out the window in silence and watch the rising sun peek its rays through the sky. And I wonder what life could have been like if my father and I were never enemies.
Maybe it could have been like this.
Chapter Fourteen
Gabriella
I walk down the hospital hallway savoring the small taste of freedom invigorating my being. It gives me a momentary break from the trouble surrounding my mind.
I can’t believe I’m actually here.
I woke earlier to Eve telling me to get ready because Jaxon had agreed to my request to work at the hospital. I was stunned and relieved in equal parts.
After the way he left yesterday, I wasn’t sure what to think. He’d said we’d have a deal if I did what he wanted but we didn’t exactly confirm anything.
I have two guards who will be nearby at all times, still it feels freaking amazing to be away from the manor and back in civilian life. It was great to drive through the manor gates, reintroduce myself to the busy New York hustle and bustle, and enter the hospital doors.
God, even the smell of antiseptic and chatter about medication soothes me with that sense of familiarity I missed terribly.
Being here feels like a glimpse of my old life—something that’s still mine.
I’ve been working for the last two hours at my usual task of helping the staff serve the patients breakfast. Now I’m on my way to the nurses’ office to help with admin.
Being here has been great, but being with Jaxon yesterday has continued to plague my mind.