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.”

mad at you for that, you know,” Misha said.

“He did?”

home from the hospital. When he could feel your pain. He was happy that you wouldn’t be able to hide it from him anymore. We could

constantly trying to hide it. I know I’m doing it. I just don’t know how to stop,” I said, pushing

to wash it. He said, “you really don’t know,

to do. No idea why. And no idea how to stop it.”

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 you’re hurt. It’s why you get extra argumentative with us when we try to do stuff for you

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

you a while to fully believe it, but you’re safe with us. No matter what. You’ll always be safe

helped me up so we could move to the couches. He laughed at Misha, but said quietly, “I think we all do. You’re extra

about something ri diculous that we’d come up with. He walked to me, kneeling down in front of me, his face immediately softening when he looked at me. “You’re still awake,” he said, almost like he couldn’t believe

pretty sure Andrei spiked the broth with caffeine,” I said, smiling

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

could pee, but otherwise, I think it’s helping.” I said, laughing quietly. “And just in time, too. I might murder him if the doctor tells me I

princess,”

ate the last bowl and it’s

go to the kitchen while Adrik helped me up from the couch. “How did it go with Armando? Was he happy to see

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

hear.

again, Ivan said. “I might’ve ensured that happiness was short-lived.” He had a devious grin on his face as he looked at me.

knows you don’t punch like a weak girl. You didn’t have to prove it,” I said,