King of the Underworld by RJ Kane

Chapter Three Hundred Seventeen

Sephle

I looked at Misha and Andrei when everyone else left to go “talk” to Armando. “We are not allowed to do anything weird that will cause them to come running back upstairs this time.”

While they both laughed at me, Misha asked, “do you not like it when Boss comes out of nowhere to save you?”

“No, I do. I very much do. But I feel bad for always interrupting his schedule,” I said. We were in the kitchen, as Andrei had talked me into more broth. It was actually working. I managed to eat most of the first bowl he gave me when they first got back from the meeting with the journalist and I only slept for a short period that afternoon.

“You know you’re more important than his schedule, spider monkey. He’s told us all exactly that. Multiple times,” Andrei said, setting down another small bowl of broth in front of me.

“I know, but it still doesn’t mean I should constantly interrupt him. This needs salt,” I said, taking a small sip.

Misha’s handsome smile stretched across his face. “That means your appetite is waking up, gazelle.” He grabbed the salt and handed it to me.

“I thought it meant this was bland,” I said, grinning at him.

“What did Boss say about Andrei’s newly discovered ability?” Misha asked, curiously.

“He mostly wanted to know how long I’ve been able to do it. He seemed more amused that I outed Sephie than anything.” Andrei said, still giving me an apologetic look.

I laughed softly. “Don’t apologize, Andrei. It makes him angry that I try to keep it from him when I don’t feel well. He’s still mad at me for keeping it hidden after Misha and I were attacked. Same for the ball. I clearly need help in that area.”

lectured him on being mad at you for that, you

“He did?”

your pain. He was happy that you wouldn’t be able to hide it from him anymore. We could hear it

to hide it. I know I’m doing it. I just don’t know how to stop,” I said, pushing the now empty bowl

“you really don’t

like I have to do. No idea

You’ve learned that you’re better off not asking for help when you need it because the few times you did got you hurt worse. You might not be aware you’re doing it, but there’s some part of you that’s still trying to protect you, especially when

on my bottom lip. “Ivan really said all that?” I asked. They both nodded their

Flis giant arm slid around my shoulders. “It might still take you a while to fully believe it, but you’re safe with us. No matter what. You’ll always be safe with us,” he said. I leaned my head onto his shoulder, taking another almost deep breath. “I know that. I really do. And I love you all for it. I don’t know

don’t have to figure it out, gazelle. I kinda like when you’re extra spicy and cranky,” Misha said. Andrei helped me up so we could move to

was still awake, laughing with Misha and Andrei about something ri diculous that we’d come up with. He walked to me, kneeling down

with caffeine,” I said, smiling at

got her to eat more?” Andrei nodded his head: “She ate all of it this time,” Andrei

help me up like 12 times so I could pee, but otherwise, I think it’s helping.” I said, laughing quietly. “And just in

wants that, princess,” Ivan

“It’s been a couple of hours since she ate the last

the kitchen while Adrik helped me up from the couch. “How did it go with Armando? Was he happy to see you?” I asked, grinning at

“I’m so happy you’re still awake, solnishko,” he said quietly so

hear.

“I

knows you don’t punch like a weak girl. You didn’t have