“Nah, he didn’t. He thought you’d let him go.”
“No chance.”
When we’re stopped at a light I hear Bradley’s rattling breath, and I know it hurts. There’s nothing worse than broken ribs. He’s got that on top of his face being bashed in. He can’t breathe.
“He calls Colson a faggot but wanted to rape him.”
“Internalized homophobia is a cancer.”
“Yeah, it is.”
Wraith glances at me. “I have wipes in the glove compartment. You have blood all over your face.”
Grinning, I lean back. “Good.”
Twenty minutes later, we drive through the house gates and my stomach flutters with pride and anticipation. I can’t wait to see Colson’s face. Wraith pulls around back to the cellar door and turns off the car.
“I’ll get him inside.” He squeezes my shoulder. “You go get your man.”
I nod, already opening the door. “Thanks, brother.”
After hurrying around front, I burst through the door and up the stairs to my bedroom, but it’s empty. My stomach drops as I swing around and down the stairs again, heading for the rec room. I find Colson on the couch with Bellamy, Shadow, Nimble, and his man, Joss. They’re calmly watching a movie, and my heart swells with love, pride, and happiness.
Colson turns around, and when he sees me, he launches himself off the couch and into my arms.
“Careful. I’m bloody.”
“I don’t care.” He kisses my neck. “I’m just happy you’re back and you’re okay.”
“I’m okay.” I kiss the top of his head. “I brought you something.”
He pulls back to meet my gaze. “Is it…? Is he…?”
I shrug. “Should be by now. Do you want to see him? You don’t have to.”
He squares his shoulders and nods. “Yes.”
I brush my thumb across his chin. “I’m surprised you’re still awake.”
“I couldn’t sleep. Not knowing you were out there. I tried, but then I came down here and some of the guys were still up.”
“I’m sorry you worried. We’ll have to work on that though. This is common in my job. It’s not a nine to five.”
“I know, but this was different. This was because of me.”
“No, baby, it was because of Bradley. You didn’t do a damn thing to cause this.”
Shadow is behind Colson. “We have a disposal on-site?”
I nod. “I wanted Colson to see what I did.”
He smiles slightly. “Been a while.”
“Wraith is on it.” I grip Colson’s hand. “Ready?”
He nods, his expression schooled and calm. Fucking hell, he’s so beautiful and strong. I would’ve waited a lifetime to love him, but I’m glad I don’t have to.
I lead Colson through the house to the back stairs that are hardly ever used. In fact, we have to face several large cobwebs on the way down. It smells musty and unused, but the scent of burning wood soon fills my nostrils.
