Page 57 of Cruel Russian King
A sudden wave of nausea crashed into me. The glass in my hand slipped through my fingers shattering on the ground as my legs gave up under me. Arms caught me and cradled me safely.
“I'm here, Printsessa…I've got you…”
Those were the last words I heard before everything went black.
Chapter 17 - Artyom
When Ninel passed out three days ago my heart plummeted. I scooped her into my arms and quickly exited the building.
Lev tried to get me to hand over Ninel so they could take her to one of their clinics. I reminded him that just like my sisters were his and Jaroslav's responsibility, Ninel was mine.
Reluctantly, Lev backed off but he demanded that I call him with an update.
I hopped into one of the SUVs while Yegor and the others hopped in the limousine to head home. Once we screeched to a halt in front I hurried with Ninel to our bedroom. She hadn't stirred once.
Gently, I placed her on the bed and removed her shoes. I went to get her pajamas, shorts and a thin strapped top. I quickly changed her into it and pulled the covers over her.
The past few days she hadn't been herself. She thought I didn't notice but I did. The way she hardly ate, how she used extra makeup because she was probably paler than usual and then Ruslan saying that after breakfast she'd usually just got to be till about four in the afternoon.
I ran a hand through my hair. I should've let her stay home and rest. I knew something was off. I should have just…
My thoughts were abruptly cut when Ninel groaned next to me. I turned to her and watched as she weakly tried to sit up and move the covers.
“Ninel, tell me what's wrong,” I said as I pushed the covers away from her and helped her sit up.
She looked up at me totally out of it and she opened her mouth to speak but instead she gagged and threw up on me, on herself and the bedding.
“I'm sorry.” Her glassy eyes frantically looked up at me, mortification on her face.
“It's ok, printsessa…”
Then she passed out again…
Before my mind could spiral into the many reasons why she probably hadn't told me that she was indeed ill…I quickly cleaned up myself, her and changed the bedding.
Once I was finished, I elevated her on the pillows in case she puked again. Then sat in the armchair next to the bed not wanting to leave her side in case she needed something.
Worried about her, I picked up my phone and dialled Kira. I knew it was late but I needed her help, which is something I had never asked of my sisters.
Because, Artie, asking for a woman's help means she's on the same level as you! And in Bratva women have and will always be below us! Have I taught you nothing?
Kira’s voice silenced my thoughts.
“Is Ninel ok? Are you at a clinic?” she asked as soon as she answered. Concern knitted in every word.
“I think she has a stomach bug. We're home. Kira,” I inhaled and blew out. “I need a favour.”
“Anything,” she responded, immediately.
“You don't even know what it is,” I countered, surprised.
“Artyom, you're my brother. You need me. I'll always be here for you.” She paused to let it sink in before she continued. “So, what do you need?”
“I'll need you to be here with Ninel when I can't be.”
“Sure, I can do that.”
“Kira…thank you.”
