Page 74 of Faithful

“I just think it’s funny how things turned out.” His voice is a low rumble. “Babe.”

The pet name–which has clearly stuck–has me melting a little on the inside. “There’s nothing funny about it.” I wrap my fingers around his left wrist and push the sleeve down his forearm.

Surprisingly, he lets me.

I kiss the scar gently, then pull him into a hug, and he allows that too.

We sit like this for a few seconds, our bodies pressed together somewhat awkwardly since I’m crouching in front of the couch. His jaw is resting on my shoulder and he’s a warm, solid, and shivering mass of muscle, and I don’t ever want him to go out on that stage again.

“I got scared,” I tell him, cradling the back of his head, “when I saw all those people. I got scared you’d get hurt.”

Kai doesn’t respond. He just burrows his chin farther into the hollow of my neck, his breath hot on my skin.

There’s no warning. Only the change in the quality of sound when the door swings open. Suddenly, it’s loud.

In my peripheral vision, I notice a familiar figure in a hoodie. A pair of shocked eyes. Finn.

Every part of me freezes up.

“Close the fucking door!” Kai’s voice, commanding and angry, shoots through the dressing room.

There’s a slam and we’re alone again.

I disentangle myself from Kai’s grip and jump up, terrified and freaking out. I wonder if that asshole saw my face.

Kai rises to his feet as well and grabs my hand. “Don’t worry. He won’t tell.”

He better fucking not.

* * *

Later that night, after Bodhi sneaks Kai and me out of the venue and sends us to the hotel, I find out that he has more injuries.

It happens when Kai is in the shower. He doesn’t invite me in but leaves the door to the bathroom slightly open and I see the marks on his body. Bruises on his legs and his rib cage.

He doesn’t mention them when he gets ready for bed.

I don’t bring them up either.

* * *

In the morning, I find out that over twenty people who attended Iodine’s show yesterday received medical care. Thankfully, nothing serious.

There’s no mention of Kai’s injuries anywhere online.

But the band’s representatives have already released a statement in which they apologized on behalf of all the members of Iodine for things getting out of control and that it was not their intention. Danny and Finn recorded a quick video where they urged their fans to look out for each other and it was uploaded to the band’s Instagram account at 8:00 a.m.

I wonder if they slept at all. I know Kai didn’t. He tossed and turned in bed all night and got up once to take some Tylenol.

Iodine’s management promises the remaining shows will not be affected and that the band and the venue will work closely to ensure the safety of those in attendance.

Divine Dave, however, has started a petition in favor of canceling Iodine’s Vegas residency.

By noon, over two thousand signatures have been gathered.

* * *

Around one in the afternoon, when Kai and I are eating lunch, there’s a knock on the door followed by Bodhi’s voice. “Hey, kid, you got a minute?”

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