Page 220 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

Swift, punishing pain lands in his middle, but braced for it in advance, Kade can tolerate it without wincing this time.

Vasily takes his time answering.

His dark eyes move over Kade’s face.

‘I was not easy boy to know,’ he says at last. ‘Quiet. Suspicious. I did not understand people who were kind without wanting something. Jules was the first person I knew who was truly kind to me. When I lost my father and Roman, he was there for me and asked nothing in return. He simply decided we were friends one day. I was shy, did not talk often. Julian talked for both of us. Asked questions, then answered them himself when I would not. He was vain. Rude. Beautiful. Warm. Jealous. Loyal. Always trying to open doors that were locked.’

Something tightens behind Kade’s ribs. ‘What else?’

‘He was impossible to ignore,’ Vasily says, softer now. ‘But he never made me feel invisible. He knew when I needed company and when I needed protection from it. He honoured the trust I gave him. He made bad feelings feel temporary, like a storm.’ Vasily steps closer. ‘I see him in you, Kade. He is there. Seven years is enough to change anyone, but we do not lose who we are, and if we bury it…’ Vasily extends his arms, smiling. ‘What flowers will grow in such soil when watered, hm?’

Kade nods, throat thick. ‘Thank you.’

‘I have always been your friend,’ Vasily promises, hand on his shoulder. ‘You can call on me any time.’ The driver opens the rear door. Vasily ducks inside, gathering the long fall of his coat before it can catch, with what seems to be the ease born of familiarity. The two men get in too. Vasily winks before his door closes. ‘See you both soon.’

The first gate opens.

Lachlan pats the top of the car.

Kade doesn’t watch Vasily’s car leave.

Lachlan comes to stand beside him. ‘You should go and see it.’

‘See what?’

‘The bubble.’

Kade looks over. ‘Now?’

‘Yeah.’

‘I’ve, um. Never been outside on my own. Like, outside the Tower. Away from it.’

‘First time for everything.’

‘You don’t want to come?’

Lachlan’s gaze lifts towards the ceiling, as if he can see through every floor between them and the man sitting at the top. ‘I’ll stay here.’

‘To do what?’

‘Guard your boss.’

‘You think something’s going to happen?’

‘I’m not leaving your boss undefended while you’re outside the Tower.’

Kade studies him. ‘You hate Riley.’

‘I don’t have to like him to know what losing him would do to you and besides, if he gets hurt, you suffer. You’re his bodyguard. I can cover for you for a few hours.’

‘I’m scared to go alone.’

Lachlan looks at him the way he does, like he can see Kade to his bones and loves every single one of them.

‘So feel it and go anyway. Go on. You’ve got a car, a driver and some spare time. I’ll keep Harker safe. I promise this time.’

The words catch somewhere deep. ‘Maybe.’