“My brother, James. The other man that was with me when we rescued you. The one that Emilia ran to.”
“I did NOT know he was your brother. Wow, I’m reeling. I mean, I’m glad it’s your sister-in-law and not some other woman you’re seeing?—”
“Wait… My turn to interrupt. Was my little spitfire…jealous?”
“No. No way. I’m not the jealous type,” I sputter as my cheeks heat with embarrassment.
“Mhm. Whatever you say, Dani,” he replies, a smug smirk on his face.
I could throttle him. I’m seriously considering it, but knowing my luck, he’d think it’s some kinky form of foreplay.
“Come on, let’s get you wiped up and ready to go. Donovan will be here shortly to grab Derek. Then Emilia’s clean up crew is coming by to clean the place up, get rid of the blood, and dispose of any evidence.”
“Where are you bringing him?” I hesitate to ask, not sure I even want to know the answer.
“Someplace I can get answers, starting with his cell phone and who he sent that picture to. My guy, Franklin, will be able to get past the security code on his phone. Then, once we get that, I’ll have some fun with him to get the rest of the answers from his sleazy mouth.”
I wince as I imagine the pain that is in store for Derek.
“Don’t tell me you feel bad for this piece of shit, spitfire. He was going to put you right back in that hellhole you escaped. He deserves everything that I have planned for him.”
“I mean… I don’t feel bad for him, per se. It’s just, I don’t know… I’m just glad you’re the one doing it. I don’t think I’d have it in me to dish it out.”
“I get it. I know your soul, Dani. You care more for others than you do for your own damn self. And don’t even tell me I’m wrong. I see you.”
I peer down at my feet. He isn’t wrong. I’ve spent my entire life putting others before myself. I think it’s because I’ve felt some of the worst kinds of pain a woman, or any person really, can go through. I hate to see others in pain or struggling in any way, and I enjoy putting light in another’s life because I know what it feels like to be without it.
“How do you know he isn’t going to die from where you stabbed him?”
“If the military taught me anything, it’s the knowledge of having over a hundred ways to kill a man, spitfire. Trust me when I say I know how to avoid vital organs on the body.”
My eyes widen at his admission, but I stay silent.What the hell did he do for the military?I’m probably better off not knowing.
Kayden doesn’t wait for a response as he goes to the kitchen again, where I hear the water running. A minute later, he’s back with a damp washcloth.
“Here, let me clean you up.”
He gently wipes the drying blood from my face and chest from where it dripped. My tank top is hopeless, however. I wince when he cleans the area by my cheek as the sting makes the whole side of my face throb.
“Thanks, Kayden,” I say quietly.
“I’d say anytime, spitfire, but let’s not go making this a regular occurrence, OK?”
Kayden holds his hand out for me as he straightens. I place my hand in his, letting him pull me up. My legs already feel a little stronger as the adrenaline leaves my body.
“Shit. You have to call or text Melody and Jax. They can’t come here!”
“I already texted them both on the way here. Told them I’m taking you out for a movie and root beer floats.”
I look at him quizzically. How does he know root beer floats are my favorite? And why is he hiding this from them? I shake the questions out of my mind. It’s a question for another day.
“OK,” I reply simply. No point in arguing with him. My lower back is killing me and my cheek is so swollen it’s starting to impede my vision. “What about Amzee? I can’t just leave her here.”
“We’ll go to Eden and then figure out a plan after that. I’ll have my men grab her tonight, though. My main concern rightnow is your kidney and getting you stitched up. I suspect it’s just a bruised kidney. I doubt you’d be able to walk if it was worse, but better to be safe than sorry.”
I’m nervous to go back to that place. It was a safe haven, but I fear the memories I’ve suppressed will rear their ugly head when I enter those doors again. Nonetheless, I let him pull me out, stepping over Derek on the floor. I don’t know how he’s passed out for this long. Kayden must really pack a punch.
I steel myself, refusing to look back into the apartment as we leave. Kayden’s large hand dwarfs my own, the warmth from his skin making me realize how chilled I am. He brings my body in front of his and scoops me up gently, avoiding my lower back. I wrap my arms around his neck and lay my head against his chest.
