Chapter 6
Six
Tinsley
I catch Bryce’s eye as we walk down the hall, and he just winks at me before stepping in behind me as we push through the door. As we step outside, more men step in around us, providing complete protection. I pull on Andre’s hand to get his attention. He immediately stops walking and turns to me.
“What’s wrong?” His voice is softer than I’ve ever heard it.
“Is all this because of the baby? We’ve got stuff to talk about, but I truly think this is serious overkill,” I whisper, looking around at the circle of men.
Andre’s eyes instantly turn to steel. “You’re not wrong. We have a lot to talk about. What you might see as overkill, I see as making sure you’re as safe as I can possibly make you. For today, let me have this.”
Another brick in the wall around my heart falls away with every word.
I give him a small nod in agreement as a blush covers my cheeks.
Andre leans in, kissing me on the forehead before he turns and guides me to the SUV.
Before we get to the door, one of the guys pulls it open, and Andre steps aside to let me climb in first. He slides in right behind me while simultaneously Bryce slides into the driver's seat and we’re off.
“Where would you like to eat?” Andre asks, taking my hand in his and lacing our fingers together.
“Umm, let’s see … can we go to the diner? I love the fact that I can get breakfast any time,” I tell him.
I watch as the color drains from his face, his palm in mine begins to sweat against mine, and he swallows hard before speaking. “If you want breakfast, I’m sure the cooks at the house can make anything you want.”
All the excitement I had at the thought of us going out together leaves me.
I give him a small smile and agree to have his people cook something when we get home.
When he seems to sigh in relief and relax, the bricks that had fallen away are right back in place because, at the end of the day, I am still just some little nurse he knocked up and the Reeves’s princess.
I don’t pull my hand from his but let my fingers fall limp and close my eyes pretending to be asleep.
“Tesoro, we’re home,” Andre whispers, shaking me slightly.
I stretch slowly and open my eyes. I look over at him as I pull my hand from his. “Thank you for taking and staying with me at the doctor’s office. It really meant more than you will ever know.”
As soon as I’m done speaking, I throw my door open and step out of the SUV, not giving him time to say anything at all.
Bowing my head so that no one can see the blush from embarrassment as I make my way up the stairs, I rush through the house to my room.
I’m too tired emotionally, mentally, and physically to speak to or deal with anyone right now.
I push through my bedroom door, closing and locking it behind me before I strip my clothes off as I make my way to my bed.
By the time I make it there, I fall face first into my pillow, passing out between one breath and the next.
Hard knocking on my door pulls me from the most perfect sleep.
I groan and just roll over, still not ready to face the world or anyone in it.
Just as I’m about to fall back asleep, the knocking starts up again.
Sitting up in bed, I glare at the door, waiting to see if the person on the other side will indeed go away.
“Tinsley, sweetie, are you okay?” Silas calls through the door.
Smiling to myself, I slide out of bed and move toward the closet to grab some clothes while I call out to him, “Just a second. Let me get dressed.”
I rush into the closet, pulling on a large T-shirt and a pair of shorts before hurrying to open the door.
Silas is standing there looking so worried that I can’t help but pull him into a hug.
He wraps his arms around me, holding me tightly in the warmest embrace I’ve felt since my father passed away.
“I’m so, so sorry, sweet girl,” he says in a low, strained murmur.
“No, it was all an accident. We’re okay, and everything is going to be just fine,” I reassure him.
He pushes be back and holds me by the shoulders, looking me up and down. “Are you sure you’re okay, dolce ragazza?”
I force a bright smile. “Absolutely! To be honest, I’m starved. Do you want to go see what we can scrounge up to eat?”
As I speak to him, I search his face and eyes to see how his day is going after everything that happened.
Andre hired me to look after his grandfather as he is showing signs of some dementia or Alzheimer’s—not that anyone will actually admit it.
I look after him and make sure that he is cared for and okay daily.
They’d been through several nurses until they landed on me.
Partially because Silas isn’t easy on people when he is having an episode.
I also know it helps that I grew up in a family and know discretion is of the utmost importance.
“A late-night snack is always my favorite,” he whispers conspiratorially.
My eyebrows shoot up when he says late night. “Silas, what time is it?”
He looks around, hemming and hawing without giving me a straight answer. “Let’s just go before—”
His words are cut off by the voice of a woman. “Mr. Kardoni, what are you doing? You're supposed to be resting.”
Silas sighs, rolling his eyes like a teenager before answering her. “I’m talking to my nipote acquisita. We’re going to get a snack. She’s a nurse and can do your job, so you can go away now.”
I gasp at the bluntness of his tone. “Silas, be nice to her. She’s going to have to do my job for a few weeks. I was instructed to take off for a couple of weeks.”
Silas's eyes go sharp in a way that tells me I’m dealing with the head of the Kardoni family. The man who fought and bled for this family to have the power it does. “Are you leaving? Are you sick? What would it take to make sure you don’t leave?”
I wrap my arm around his waist from the side. “Don’t worry, Si. I’m not leaving. I just have to rest for a couple of weeks.”
“So, you are sick?” he snaps, getting upset.
I squeeze him. “No, not sick. I promise it will all make sense later. For now, you must just be patient and be nice to the other nurses.”
He looks down at me, searching my face for answers, but I just smile up at him.
“Fine. Now, are you ready to get some food?” He sighs, dropping the conversation.
The new nurse eyes our closeness and sneers, “No snacks. You’re supposed to be resting and relaxing.”
Her tone is hateful, unkind, and dismissive, causing my hackles to rise. I stand up and pull away from Silas to stand in front of him protectively. The new nurse’s makeup is done to the nines and her hair is perfectly curled as if she’s looking for a man and not here to take care of Silas.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t catch your name.” I make sure my tone is kind.
She places a hand on her hip and glares. “That would be because I didn’t give it.”
“Well, I’m Tinsley, his current nurse. We’re going to grab something quick in the kitchen. If you would like to come, you’re welcome to join us. If not, I can let you know when he’s back in his room.” I turn to Silas and say, “Let’s go, Si. I’m starved.”
“Listen here, you wanna-be little nurse, it’s too late for a snack according to the current master of the house.” She crosses her arms under her chest, pushing her tits up.
Her words are like a slap in the face because, although I might be a young nurse, I’ve worked my ass off to specialize in Alzheimer’s and memory loss care. I’m currently studying to get several certifications in this specific area of care.
“There is no reason to be disrespectful. Everyone in this home treats each other with respect and kindness. If you can’t do that, then we can have a conversation with the master of the home.” I meet her head-on.
I might not bite back, allowing people to act how they want to a point—but I was raised in this world, and I can see right through this tramp's games.
She stomps down the hallway with her finger pointed at me.
“Andre hired me to take care of his grandfather, and no one is going to keep me from doing that. If you had a say or were important, then he would have mentioned you when he interviewed me this afternoon and hired me on the spot. Now, if you want to stay here and be welcomed, mind your manners and stay the fuck out of my way.”