Page 172 of Five Fingers of Death

She charged at me, her eyes wild and crazy. “You also promised me this would end. I understood that you wanted to help your brother. Yes, I wanted you to do whatever you could, but why is it that you’re always the one who gets ruined by it?”

“I’m not ruined,” I bit out. “I’m still fucking alive.”

“Not if you want us and everyone around us to live,” she cracked. “The price to pay for everyone’s safety is that you remain dead. Again.”

“Does Hunter know?” The thought of keeping the truth from him sent a spear through my already wounded chest.

“Yes, he knows. We’ve already lived through your death once. I wasn’t about to do that again,” she snapped, turning away from me. “For now, he’s back at Reed Security planning your funeral. I have to leave tonight to keep up appearances. The only reason I’m agreeing to this is because Fox said he would stay with you and the doctor.”

“Not happening.”

“Oh, it’s totally happening, brohima! Don’t worry, I’ve got us covered for your entire stay. More musicals than you could ever wish for, and a delectable smoothie regimen that will get you on your feet in no time!”

My eyes slid from my psychotic friend at the foot of the bed to Kate. “I’m not staying?—”

“You have to. It’s already been decided.” She got to her feet and walked toward the door. “Fox has my permission to do whatever’s necessary to keep you here.”

“Kate, don’t fucking walk away from me,” I growled.

She turned back, blinking away her tears. “I’m not walking away. I’m protecting what’s left of my heart.”

42

JASON

I was bone-tired as I walked through the front door of my house at fucking one-thirty in the morning. The past few days had been hell, but we somehow came out on top. Thankfully, Tahlia said Carli had been doing fine at her house. That was one less thing to worry about. I trudged up the stairs to my room, only to come to a halt when I sensed someone else in the room.

Slowly, I pulled my gun and pushed the door open. Relief washed over me when I saw Izzy curled up in my bed. I hadn’t invited her over, but I was glad as hell that she felt comfortable enough to come over. I quickly rid myself of my clothes, locking my gun away for safekeeping. It was hard as hell to get used to not having it at my fingertips, but with Carli here, there was no way I could take the chance.

Sliding into bed behind Izzy, I pulled her body into mine, pressing my lips to her cheek. She moaned, rolling into me and wrapping her arms around my body. “You’re home.”

“Yeah, baby.”

“I’m sorry I’m in your bed.”

“I’m not,” I rumbled, sliding my hand over her back, down to cup her ass. “Fuck, I love having you here.”

My cock was already hard, thinking about what was underneath her clothes. I rolled her over, pressing her into the mattress as I nudged between her thighs.

“Wait, Jason?—”

My gaze met hers instantly. “What is it, baby?”

Her chin trembled as her eyes welled with tears. “Knight…”

“He’s fine.”

She blinked rapidly, shaking her head at my words. “What?”

“He’s recovering?—”

She shoved up from under me, her eyes wild as she stared at me. “I don’t understand. Eva came by and said he was dead.”

Fuck, I knew this would be an issue. I hadn’t been able to tell anyone he was alive. It was better that way for safety purposes. I sat up, taking her hand in mine. “Baby, I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you. We had to move him to a secure location, and until then, we couldn’t take the risk that anyone knew he was alive.”

“Because you thought I’d say something?” she snapped.

“No, not at all. But with these people, we can’t trust that our lines are secure. If anyone had overheard anything, it would have meant death for more than Knight.”

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