Page 196 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘But what?’

‘The bullet went in through his left cheek and out through the right, knocked out a couple of teeth, fractured his jaw. He’s still in recovery. The doctor said it’ll be a few days before they know the extent of the damage.’

‘But he’s gonna be OK?’ Kade is desperate for the basic reassurance he needs, the bottom line. Lachlan seems hesitant to give it. ‘Lachlan.’

‘The doc is worried he won’t be able to speak.’

‘Of course he will.’

‘How’s your chest now?’

‘I need to see him.’ Kade has tears in his eyes, throat so thick it hurts to even swallow. He moves his legs to the side of the bed, wincing as pain zings up his spine.

‘Just give yourself a minute.’

‘It was my fault.’

‘None of this was your fault.’

‘I wanted to go. I begged to go.’

‘Kade—’

‘Riley said it was dangerous. I didn’t believe him.’ Kade wipes his eyes when they burn wet. ‘Why didn’t you tell me we were meeting Sorrenko?’

‘I knew Harker would never allow it. Vasily is your friend. He’s been trying to free you all these years.’

‘His people tried to kill me!’

‘They didn’t know who you were.’

‘I trusted you!’

‘I know. And I’m so sorry. I promise you, this is my fault, not yours.’

‘No, it’s mine for trusting you over my own…’ Boss. Boss is the word he’s reaching for, but something else bubbles up to the surface instead.

Brother.

Riley is his brother.

Julian and Jean-Marie.

Kade and Riley.

And Riley isn’t human.

‘Are you OK?’

‘You lied to me.’

‘I’m sorry, Kade.’

‘Fuck you.’ It’s quiet and grey, disappointment draining his energy. ‘Tell me everything else that happened. Who else was hurt?’

‘One of your people lost a hand and Seth died.’

Kade’s veins fill with ice water. ‘How?’