Page 26 of King of Violence

“I am,” I reply, keeping my movements deliberate and steady. When I finish, I sit back. “That should do it. Try not to move it too much, and ice it later.”

“Thank you, Julian,” Annie says warmly.

Felix is still hovering like an overprotective hen, adjusting the pillow behind her back and asking if she’s comfortable. Annie reaches up with her good hand to pat his cheek. “Felix, you’re sweet, but I’m okay. Sit down before you wear yourself out.”

We spend the afternoon in her living room, making sure she’s truly okay. Annie is a sharp, warm woman who makes me feel at home instantly. Felix clearly gets his big heart from her, and seeing him this way—so open and unguarded—is a side of him I don’t think many people get to see.

Eventually, Annie insists on serving us tea, despite Felix’s protests. She gives me a knowing look as Felix finally relaxes into the couch beside me, his leg pressed against mine.

“She’s really okay,” I say quietly.

He exhales deeply, leaning back. “I know. I just…I worry. She’s all by herself here.”

“She’s tough. Just like you.”

Felix snorts and shakes his head. “Tough isn’t the word I’d use for myself.”

“Then you don’t know yourself very well.”

He looks at me, his expression softening. “Thank you. For everything today.”

I lean closer, dropping my voice to a murmur. “Of course.”

Annie’s voice interrupts us from the kitchen. “Felix, don’t you dare let him leave before dinner!”

Felix laughs, and the sound is the lightest I’ve ever heard him make. “You’re staying,” he says, his eyes bright with something that makes my chest feel tight.

“Wouldn’t dream of leaving,” I reply.

The banter continues for another hour, the warmth of the room a stark contrast to the sharp edges of my usual life. But the moment is broken when my phone buzzes in my pocket and a message from Elijah lights up the screen.

The tension in my shoulders returns instantly, like a weight pressing down. I tuck my phone away, trying to mask my change in demeanor, but Felix is watching me too closely.

“Everything okay?” he asks.

“Yeah,” I lie as I stand and grab my jacket. “I just have something I need to take care of.”

Felix’s brow furrows, suspicion clouding his features. “Now?”

“It’s nothing serious,” I say, keeping my tone light. “Just some business I need to wrap up.”

“Business,” Felix repeats, standing too. His eyes narrow, the wall he puts up when he feels shut out rising quickly. “What kind of business?”

Annie looks between us, clearly picking up on the tension but staying silent.

“Felix,” I say quietly as I step closer to him. “It’s not something you need to worry about.”

“That’s not an answer.”

I sigh and glance at Annie, who’s pretending to be engrossed in her tea. “It was nice meeting you, Mrs. Caruso. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“Call me Annie,” she says, her sharp eyes softening. “And thank you, Julian. You take care of my boy, you hear?”

“Always,” I promise, meaning it more than I probably should.

As I leave the cozy house, Felix follows me and shuts the door behind him.

“I should get going,” I say.

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