Page 74 of Primal God

“I was worried.”

I feel like an asshole for making him worry. I really do. But I can’t deal with all of…this. Not right now.

I say, “Really? I would have thought your date would have kept you occupied.”

His eyebrows lift. “My date isn’t until Friday.”

Relief courses through me, but I shove the feeling aside.

“Good night, Dr. Santos.”

“Dr. Santos?” He moves toward me. “Lilith, what’s wrong?”

Those three little words have tears threatening to fill my eyes.

“Nothing is wrong, Dr. Santos. I just had a long day. Good night.”

He stops me with a gentle hand on my arm. “We missed you today.”

My chest is tight.

“Is the interview with the potential nanny still on for Tuesday?” When he nods, I say, “Good. I hope she’s a good fit.”

His lips part like he wants to say something, but I rush up the stairs to my room.

I let the tears fall when I’m in the safety of the bathroom.

I meant what I said. I hope the interview with the nanny goes well. I want the kids to be taken care of when I’m gone.

A sob works its way past my lips as I sink to the floor.

Just as I hope Dimitri will be happy…

15

Dimitri

I stand outside Lilith’s door, debating if I should go in. I’m fairly certain she’s crying in there, and it fucking guts me. But that would be overstepping. I’ve taken a few steps when Clara peeks her head out of her room.

“Papai?”

“What are you doing out of bed, little one?”

“I thought I heard Nanny W. Is she here?”

“She is.”

“Were you in there with her?”

“No. I was just checking on Isadora.”

Clara is silent for a moment, so I scoop her into my arms.

“Let’s get you in bed. You have a busy day tomorrow.”

“Papai, Diego and I meant it. We want Nanny W to be our momma.”

I glance over at Diego’s bed to find him wide awake. He gives me a small nod, as if he’s agreeing with Clara. I set Clara on her bed and pull her blanket over her as I mull over what to say.

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