Page 69 of Hidden Heir

I’ve never felt more relieved in my life. I nod quickly as tears of relief and exhaustion flood my eyes. “Oh thank you,” I whisper. “I was so scared she was being harmed. When Ant showed up with Paul I feared he had her stashed somewhere and I—” Emotion clogs my voice preventing me from saying anything else.

Selina comes over and perches on the edge of the bed. She cuddles me the best she can while smoothing my hair. “Tiffany is safe. I promise. She’s safe and sound.”

I cry for a few long minutes until my throat is too dry to continue. Selina lifts a cup of water and guides the straw to my lips. The coolness is soothing in so many ways.

“Do you want to see her?” Selina asks.

“She’s here?”

Selina shakes her head. “No, but she can be within the hour.”

Every instinct in me screams yes but instead, denial wins out. “No. I… I don’t want her to see me like this.”

Selina’s brows pinch together but she nods in understanding. “Of course. Whenever you’re ready.”

“Is Leon awake?”

“He is. He’s been asking about you like a man obsessed so I’m glad I’ll be able to give him some good news.”

“And he’s okay?”

Selina glances down at my body then forces a smile. “As good as you.”

That conversation alone is enough to exhaust me, but the news that my daughter is safe soothes my deepest worries. Sleep comes for me not long after, and I’m lost to the world once more.

The next time I wake up, Selina is gone. There’s a nurse in my room dropping off some food. He explains it’s all liquified and that my malnutrition will be a long process to recover from. Soup, broth, and mild juice is what I will be having to begin with.

I realize I never asked Selina how long we were gone.

As the nurse helps me with the soup, the door to my room opens, and to my immense surprise, Kreik walks in. He leans heavily on his cane and sends the nurse packing with just one look.

I’m kind of disappointed because I’d been enjoying the soup but I’d rather not embarrass myself in front of Leon’s father. Previously, he would have scared me, but after what Paul put me through, nothing Kreik can do will phase me.

Hell, there’s not much thatwillphase me at this point.

“Brooke.” Kreik’s eyes roam over me before settling on my face. “It’s good to see you awake.”

“Is it?” Last time I saw him was in the warehouse with all those people in the crate. It feels so long ago now and facing him is a little daunting.

“It is.” He walks closer to the bed, then pauses and leans both hands on his cane. His mustache moves back and forth as if he’s chewing on something invisible, then he clears his throat. “Leon told me you were a warrior. For yourself and for him.”

I meet his gaze steadily, not saying a word.

“It would seem,” he continues, “that I underestimated you. You were valiant in your survival efforts and I can only imagine the scars that will be left behind.”

Is this his idea of a compliment?

“I was only valiant because I didn’t have the info he wanted,” I say shortly. “You misunderstand. If I had known, I would have told him in order to get back to my daughter.”

“No, you are the one who misunderstands,” Kreik corrects. “There are not many people who have what it takes to survive. In fact, I have known men built of iron that have crumbled under half of what you endured. You came out the other side with your head still on your shoulders and you saved my son’s life. For that, I am grateful.”

“Maybe it’s the painkillers,” I mutter.

“Maybe.” Kreik locks eyes with me. “Regardless, thank you. I misjudged you and treated you unfairly.”

“Is this your idea of an apology?” I tilt my head, a strange warmth spreading through my chest. “Because your words mean nothing. I know how you made your millions, you and everyone that came before you.”

I expect him to bite back but to my surprise, Kreik only nods. “I’m glad you are okay.”

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