My heart squeezed.
“I have to go handle something.” He tripped over his words and took a step back, as if there were weights tied to his ankles.
“Wait,” I half-shouted. I cleared my throat, pulling away from Kyan. “I should probably tell you guys about this.”
Elias’ brows furrowed. I shuffled over to the rug, struggling not to focus too much on the awkwardness.
Using my knee against the couch, I shoved until the blood smear was visible.
Elias looked at the stain and then at me.
“That was from when you were shot,” Kyan whispered.
I nodded.
“Anyway, sorry about that.” I shrugged.
Elias’ lips twitched. Did he feel the spike of guilt through our bond?
“It doesn’t matter, Briar,” he murmured, a soft chastising edge to his tone.
“Don’t stress over it, Elias. It’s a good sign that I can touch her now,” Kyan offered.
Elias’ lips twitched even more.
“I’m finishing up telling them what we want packed and what’s for donation.”
“Packing up?” I interjected. “Why are you packing up?
Elias frowned. “We sold The Bordello.”
That was news to me. I gawked, struggling to spit out words.
“Why?” I finally managed.
“I don’t want you hurting,” Elias said. “I want nothing to make you doubt me.”
Emotion clogged my throat.
“I willalwaysdoubt you.” But I wasn’t sure how true that was anymore.
His crestfallen expression pinched my heart. I gritted my teeth, turning away from him.
“I’ll go finish up.” With those final quiet words, Elias retreated.
Guilt throbbed in my stomach, making a point. Kyan squeezed my shoulder.
“He really does hate himself for how he’s treated you,” he said it softly.
“I know.” I bit my lip, rubbing my arms.
“Are we ready to go?” Being here was messing with my head.
“Let’s go home. Whatever else we have to handle can be done via phone.” He urged me forward gently.
I descended the stairs into the hall that led to the one with numerous doors. Once we turned the corner into the main room, a small woman with vivid pink hair let out a gust of air from her lips. She sniffled.
“I heard what he said to you, Leah. Are you okay?” Another woman, much taller than the first, grabbed her arms, slightly shaking her.
