Then, I started to empty the contents of my stomach.
“I’ve got you.” Kaleo wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me up. “Come on.” He all but dragged me to the entrance of the building and helped me up to our place.
He helped me over to the couch. I collapsed and leaned forward, still feeling sick. Kaleo pulled his phone from his pocket and made a call. He was on the phone and pacing but I couldn’t hear what he was saying between the ringing in my ears and the pounding in my chest.
I leaned forward and put my elbows to my knees.
Everything was blurring by. Kaleo went to the bedroom and came back with a bag. He knelt down in front of me, both hands on my knees. I blinked at him while I tried to make sense of what he was saying.
“You’re okay,” he assured me. “You’re okay.” He grabbed my face in both hands and pulled it closer to his. “You’re okay.” He pressed his forehead against mine. “I’ve got you and you’re okay. Say it.”
I nodded and swallowed while I tried to remember how to function. I opened my mouth then closed it and swallowed again.
“I’m okay,” I said quietly.
Kaleo nodded. “What do you need, November?”
“Water?”
“Okay.”
He pulled back and looked over me. His eyes jumped around my face. Then, he kissed my forehead and hopped up. He ran to the kitchen and got me some water. I tilted my head back and started to gulp the water down.
I jumped and spilled some down my chin and shirt when banging sounded at the door.
“It’s Rob,” Kaleo offered and rushed to the door.
I peered over the couch while they talked quietly in the doorway. I strained to hear what they were saying but couldn’t hear anything.
We’d been shot at. Someone had shot at me and Kaleo.
Fuck.
I stretched my hand out and looked at the way it was shaking.
My eyes slowly lifted as Kaleo placed his hand in mine. My hand stilled. I wrapped my fingers around his.
He pulled me up and started to pull me along. He brought me to the bathroom and put the shower on.
“Come on, shawty. Let’s get you in the shower.”
I nodded and we stripped down together. We took a silent shower. Kaleo washed me then himself. He toweled us both off and walked me to the bedroom. I pulled one of his shirts on andcollapsed into bed. Kaleo climbed in beside me. I rolled into his chest immediately and he wrapped an arm around me.
“I’ve got you, Novi. I promise.”
I nodded silently. He kissed my forehead. One of his hands went to the back of my head while the other traced my arm up and down. The feeling and the sound of his heartbeat in my ear were both calming.
I started to feel myself slip out of consciousness but I was still somewhat hanging on when Kaleo kissed the top of my head softly and climbed out of bed as quietly as he could.
9KALEO
I collapsed on the couch beside Rob and let my head fall backwards. He looked at me but didn’t utter a word. We just sat in silence for several moments. I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. I did my best to shut my brain up then I sat up and looked over at Rob.
“Alright.” I clapped my hands together. “What’s up?”
“Nigga, they shot yo’ motha’fuckin car up with you in it. It’s war time.”
“We’re not doing that,” I said immediately.
