“That I did.” He nods in agreement. “How’s your bandage holding up?”
“Fine.” It hurts like hellfire to breathe or move, but nothing vital is falling out, so I guess it’s doing its job.
“That wound was deep, but I did my best,” he says.
“I appreciate it.” I crash onto the couch next to Joseline, wincing as I get settled. Showering and changing clothes zapped all of my energy, and I feel like I could pass out at any second.
But I can’t, not yet.
“So, what happened?” I ask, trying to sound casual. “Everyone alive?”
My stomach knots with anticipation, even though Iprobably know the answer. Joseline would have broken the news to me sooner if anyone had died. Right?
“Everyone is okay.” Emrys nods, lifting his mug to take a careful sip. “Daire got a nasty cut. Nearly took off his ear. Sebastian broke a finger. Ashten and Niki are fine—a little shaken up, but that’s understandable.”
I nod along as he speaks, weight falling off my shoulders with every word.
“And the baby?” I can’t help but ask.
At that, the corners of his mouth curl upward. “Precious. Healthy.”
“Beautiful!” Joseline nearly squeals. “Oh, wait until you see her. She’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.”
I loll my head to the side to see her face lit up, and I fight the smile tugging at my lips. To see her this way, mostly anxious-free and relieved and happy… it’s like a balm to my frazzled system.
“So, what’s the plan?” I ask, turning my attention back to Emrys.
He lifts his shoulders and drops them. “We’re on our way to the next venue, but I doubt we’ll perform this weekend. Not with everyone beat to hell and back. Sebastian hasn’t said anything though.”
That makes sense, and quite frankly, I’m relieved. As much as a stadium full of screaming fans would refuel us and help us mend faster, I know I can’t perform like this.
“Why don’t you go lay down in your bed?” Emrys jerks his horns toward our bedroom at the back. “I’m sure it’ll feel better than the couch. I’ll wake you when we stop.”
I nod, hardly in the mood to argue. Nothing soundsbetter than stretching out on my mattress and taking another nap. With a grunt, I heave myself to my feet again, wobbling for a second before I catch my balance.
My eyes jump to Joseline, who’s sitting quietly on the sofa, and heat creeps into my cheeks. Silently, I hold out my hand in offering.
She stares at it, like it’s something strange.
“Join me?” I finally say when she doesn’t move.
She cocks an eyebrow at me and grins wide, hopping to her feet before sliding her hand into mine. At her touch, sparks zip up my arm, and my chest warms.
“I guess,” she says, loud enough for Emrys to hear. “But don’t scream my name so loud this time.”
Emrys snorts into his mug, nearly choking on his coffee, and I lead her toward the bedroom. I kick the door closed behind us, my eyes instantly going to her face as I watch her take in the space.
We’ve done a lot of renovations since the twins got their own bus to share with Ashten. The room is almost perfectly symmetrical, with a full-size bed and dresser on each side. It’s a tight fit, but we make it work.
Gesturing to the bed on the right, I let Joseline crawl over against the wall. Then, I lie down next to her, relieved when my head hits the pillow.
My eyelids are heavy, threatening to close, and I gesture for her to settle into the crook of my arm.
“Nuh uh. No way.” She shakes her head adamantly. “You’re hurt.”
“And?” I look over at her incredulously. “I’ll be fine.”
“Yeah, you’re barely mobile, Mr. Fine.” She narrowsher eyes on me. “How about you rest, and when you feel better, we’ll talk about it?”
