Page 62 of Rise By Sin

“You were shot in the back?” Colt asks and I nod.

“My partner was shot. I thought I’d taken the perp down, but when I went to try and help my partner, the fucker shot me in the back. I managed to get my gun and take him down, but it meant the end of my career. The CPD gave me a shitty pension and slammed the door in my face, but I was the lucky one. My partner died on scene.”

“Why the fuck would you not call me when that happens? Why have you been dealing with this alone all while pushing me away?” he demanded. He looked exhausted and I hated that I was wearing him out even more.

“I was embarrassed and ashamed of how broken I am now. I didn’t want you to see me like this, or worse, how I was right after it happened.”

“Jesus Christ, Bam. I don’t even know what to say,” Colt whispered as he rested back and closed his eyes.

“I’m sorry, Colt. I fucked up. I know that now,” I sniffled as Jack held me closer.

“Just tell her she’s not running away now you’re safe Colt, because I’m worried that’s what she plans to do, no matter how hard Mace and I have tried to convince her she needs to be here, with all of us,” Jack spoke up.

“Jack! Just shut the fuck up!” I snapped angrily.

“You are not leaving. Don’t you fucking dare, Ava Scott,” Colt snapped and when I looked at him he had me pinned in place with he scariest look I’d ever seen from him. “You are moving back home, with me, where I can take care of you. Don’t even bother arguing. I won’t listen, and if you run I’m sending someone to drag you right back. No more of your independent bullshit, you hear me? You belong here and here is where you’ll stay. I have someone deal with you house in Chicago and ship your belongings to our place.”

“You sound like a crazy kidnapper,” I threw back at him with some ire.

“I’m your damned brother and you’re going to listen to me this time! You have struggled on your own for two fucking years because of your pride, while I was here clueless to it all. No more.” I had never seen Colt so angry. Even when he first took me in and I rebelled in a major way, he had never ever gotten so angry with me. It shocked me and actually made me listen to him. I knew he was scared for me and that was why he was reacting as he was. That was the only reason I didn’t bite his head off.

“You’re engaged. You’re going to get married. I can’t live with you,” I argued instead.

“I have no objections. You’re gonna be my kid sister too and I plan to take the role seriously,” Ky spoke up.

“I’m thirty-four years old,” I reminded him with a roll of my eyes. Ky just shrugged with he hint of a smile.

“It’s settled. I’ll have my lawyer make arrangements to clear out your house and put it up for sale.” Colt said firmly. I groaned as I realized I had something else to come clean about.

“What is it, love?” Jack asked.

“I…um…I haven’t exactly been living at the place you set up for me,” I admitted as I glanced guiltily to my brother.

“What do you mean?” Jack asked.

“Where have you been living?” Colt demanded, still sounding pissed.

“I…after I was released from the hospital I was scared you’d come to visit me…like a surprise visit, and I didn’t want you finding me the way I was so I…I rented a place.”

“What place?” Colt asked knowingly. He knew me too well and he read my reluctance.

“It was in the city. I didn’t have much money after I got medically retired, so it wasn’t much. My stuff though, it’s all there.”

“What do you mean you didn’t have much money? I set an account up for you filled with money, and you have several credit cards with no limit?”

“I didn’t want to use them. I knew you’d worry if I started using all of the money you gave me.”

“So you lived in a shit hole? Is that what you’re not telling me? Was it even safe, Ava?” he growled as he looked at me. When I looked away I gave him the answer without words.

“Fuck!” Colt cursed loudly.

“Colt, just take a breath. No, it wasn’t the best place to live but I can take care of myself and you know it. I was okay. I managed perfectly well alone,” That was a lie but one I had been selling to myself for months, so it was easy to spout.

“She’s home now, Colt. The past is the past. Let’s all just focus on the future. We need to get you on your feet and keep you safe while the cops chase down the psycho who took you. Ava can get moved in at your place and I’ve hired security, so you’ll both be safe. Everything will be alright now,” Ky soothed as he brushed his hand over Colts greasy and dirty looking hair.

“Mason, Deacon, and I are here for you both too. Kylan’s right. We all need to look forwards, not backwards,” Jack agreed.

A nurse chose that moment to come in and take Colt’s vitals and check his dressings. Jack and I left the room to make some space, and Ky stayed with him.

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