Page 147 of Nemesis

I don’t sleep much as it is, but I’m paying for missing hours.

“Fine,” I admit. “I’m going to go crash.”

He pats my shoulder. “Good decision. Don’t burn out before we’ve even begun.”

It isn’t until we get back to Artemis’ building and part ways that I pause, staring off after Kade. His SUV is parked a block down, his keys swinging around his index finger. He’s the picture ofnot bothered, even though the situation with Reese should bother him a lot.

So either he’s the world’s best pretender, or he really isn’t as attached to Reese—or worried about him—as he made us believe.

And what does he mean,before we’ve even begun?

41ARTEMIS

I gave in.

I climbed up into bed with Reese, weariness pulling at me, and I think I fell asleep. I must’ve, because getting comfortable is the last thing I remember, and now a nurse is shaking me awake.

“Sorry,” I mumble to her.

It’s midday. Not an acceptable time to sleep.

She apologizes, then explains about needing to take him for another test. A scan that will take a while. She holds out a voucher for the cafeteria, which I accept carefully. I tuck the piece of paper into my front pocket and hop off the bed.

While she and another orderly prepare Reese to move, I duck into the bathroom. I brush my teeth and hair—well, I try to for the latter one, although it’s so tangled and in need of a wash that I settle forgood enough. I braid it, then change my clothes.

Kade gave me one of his sweatshirts. A pair of jeans from my closet at the Bow & Arrow apartment, fresh underwear, and a soft t-shirt. I clutch them to my chest, because only Antonio would’ve gone in and picked out these clothes.

He knows me best, after all.

Once changed, I unplug my phone from the charger and call him.

“Hey, kiddo,” Antonio answers. “How are you holding up?”

I release a slow breath. “Managing the guilt.”

He tsks. “It’s not your fault.”

“Feels like it is.” I stand at the window. “I’m to blame for Gabriel.”

“Saint said you’re on shift,” Antonio says. “When one of them relieves you, come to my house. Vittoria and I will take care of that guilt.”

My eyes burn. I blink rapidly, trying not to fucking cry like a baby, but all the other telltale signs tumble after each other. My throat closes, my chest tightens. Tears fill my eyes.

“Okay,” I whisper. “I’ve got to go.”

I wipe the tears away and hang up. The room is a lot emptier without Reese’s bed—and the man, himself—in it. It’s unsettling.

Maybe I should try to eat something…

“Hey.” Kade pops his head into the room. His brows furrow. “Where’s Reese?”

“A scan.” I push myself out of the chair. “I’m heading to the cafeteria, if you want to join me.”

He moves out of my way, allowing me to exit first, and follows me down the hall. I glance over my shoulder at him. “Thought I told you to watch Saint.”

“He said something about sleeping,” Kade answers. “And I figured it might be hard being here all alone.”

That’s true.

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