Page 18 of Auctioned to My Bratva Boss

I slumped against the sofa, panting.

Time in the penthouse suite moved differently. Felt like I'd only lounged and napped before it was the next morning.

I went home, changed out of the obviously expensive clothes before heading to the hospital. Evelyn was observant—she'd definitely interrogate me about that outfit.

The hospital reeked of disinfectant. The smell cleared my head. I sat beside her, set breakfast and fruit on the bedside table.

Her face was pale, but her expression brightened. "You brought my favorite oatmeal."

"Well, you've got quite the nose." I handed her the lukewarm porridge.

"How've you been feeling?"

"About to mold from lying here." She looked miserable, sipping porridge. "I've read six books, watched ten movies, and beat Gris!"

She exhaled. "They stick me with needles and pills every day. My hair's falling out."

Bitterness rose in my throat. Never thought my sister would get leukemia from being a nail technician.

"No worries, you'll start a new New York trend." I kept my tone light. "I guarantee it with my professional eye."

I peeled an orange carefully, removing the white pith. I'd researched—oranges helped with anemia from chemo. When she finished her porridge and took the orange, she stared at my face.

"What's wrong? You look awful." She asked suddenly. "Up all night working?"

Sort of. Negotiated private business with my boss all night.

"I'm fine. Really." I forced a smile. "I even got your surgery money."

"Just need a suitable bone marrow donor, and you'll be okay!"

She frowned, worried.

"Loan? Or..." Her lips were bloodless. "I don't want you doing anything stupid."

"No, I swear!"

Sleeping with your crush shouldn't count as stupid, right? Besides, giving my virginity to someone like Matvey—I wasn't losing out.

"My boss advanced me several decades of salary, including future fees for when I'm a top jewelry designer." I held her gaze.

Liars avoid eye contact, so I did the opposite.

She studied me.

"You know, Riley." Her eyes moistened, finger rubbing the orange segment's edge. "I want to live."

"But not built on your pain and sacrifice."

I took the orange from her and fed her two pieces.

"You look like a hamster." I smiled, then grew serious. "Trust me. No one's paying an irreversible price."

I watched her relax, start chewing.

"Okay, hon." After she finished, I tucked her in. "Let those bad workers in your body rest. I've got to get back to work."

"Alright." She mumbled. "Take care of yourself."