Page 86 of Our Blood, Our Pain

“I’m not going anywhere! I won’t allow this, Kai. Who’ll take care of you when you get out of the hospital?”

“I’m going back with Jules.”

“Over my dead fucking body,” she shouts, and Tim stands behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders.

“That can be arranged,” Jules threatens.

“I’d watch it, Jules. Just because I’m off duty, doesn’t mean I can’t have you taken in,” Tim says, narrowing his eyes on Jules.

“You do that and I’ll report you for harassment. I’m serious. You both need to stay out of my business. I’m not a minor. I’m an adult of sound mind, and I want you both to leave. If you hadn’t noticed, I’m supposed to be resting, and you’re making it impossible.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry, honey. I’ll keep quiet.”

“I want you to go. I need to sleep. Let’s just start again tomorrow when everyone has calmed down,” I say pleadingly. Jules certainly picks his moment to come over and place a kiss on my lips before he sits in the chair beside me with a childish grin on his face.

“I can take a hint. You know you can call if you need anything. Come on, Tim.” And here I thought I was the child. They both stomp off and finally, the room mellows out.

Jules runs his hands through my hair, a move that I’m starting to become addicted to. I feel special, cherished and safe.

“Sleep, Kai. I’ll be here when you wake up.”

“Mm-kay,” I say before I drift off.

47

JULES

Kai has been asleep for a few hours now, but I can’t seem to shut my brain off to let myself rest. My body is automatically programmed to watch over him. Protect him. I thought he would back away from me when his mom found out about us, but he stood his ground. While Kai isn’t someone who will ever get on board with the physical side of our job, his confidence has grown since he left home. He doubts himself so much, but he doesn’t realize just how strong he is. He knows who he is and what he wants, and it’s beyond fucking sexy.

The door to Kai’s room opens, and I turn to see Lev walk in, but he remains close to the door, so I get up and move over to him.

“Hey,” I say.

“How’s he doing?”

“Good. Should be released in a week or two if all goes well. Where’s Ivan?”

“Back at the hotel. I forgot how much he loves to talk.”

That makes me chuckle. Lev’s idea of hell is having to be social.

“We’re gonna have to head back tomorrow, D needs us.”

“You know I’m not coming?”

“Do I look fucking dumb to you? Of course I know,” he says, rolling his eyes.

“My car’s at Jenny’s. Could you drop me over there in the morning so I can collect it?”

“Yeah. You gonna tell her about you and Kai?”

“She already knows. Walked in on us earlier, screamed at us and threatened us, then left.”

“Fuck her, then.”

“I don’t give a shit. As long as she and that nosy fucking Tim stay away, we’ll have no problems.”

“We can always dispose of him.”

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