“I wouldn’t want you to do that. Not worth it.”
“I don’t know,” Kennedy muses. “I think I’d gladly take a few years in a cell for payback.”
“It’s a good thing we’ve got the Russo’s on our side and we don’t have to.”
He grunts. “Blood’s gone. You need anything else?”
I shake my head. “Nah. I think I can get the front.”
“You’ll need help getting dressed,” he reminds me.
I nod. “Ethan will need you.”
Kennedy nods, wrapping a towel around his waist. “I’m waiting.”
I lean against the shower wall when he shuts the door behind him. I need time alone, time to clear my head. I need silence. The spray of the shower helps me relax. When I’m finally calm, I grab the washcloth and clean the rest of the blood off, avoiding the stitched areas.
I turn the water off and Kennedy’s there. He’s got a towel, and he helps me dry off, then wrap it around my waist.
“Better?” he asks.
“Much. Thanks, man.”
He says nothing, but he knows what this means to me. Unconditional love and acceptance.
Family.
32
ETHAN
“Stop fussing,” I snap, tired and hurting. “I know you mean well, Luce, but I just really don’t want to be touched right now.”
She nods, knowing why.
“I’m going to try to shower.”
“Linc’s already up there,” Tera tells me.
My heart jumps in my chest. My guy. He’s as fucked up as I am.
When I walk toward the stairs, Mrs. M clears her throat and gives me a stern look.
“Elevator it is,” I mutter.
“You boys. Stubborn,” Mrs. M mutters. “I’ll make you something to eat.”
“I’d cry for some chicken enchiladas,” I tell her.
She snickers. “It’s a good thing I have some in the freezer.”
“You’re my queen.”
The elevator doors close, and I breathe easier. Now I can be me. I can hurt, I can be angry, I can relax.
When the doors open, Kennedy’s waiting.
“Ethan,” he says, pulling me into a loose hug. “Brother.”
