Page 29 of Smoke

“I’m sorry, Smoke. I know this fucking sucks,” he apologized.

He was right. It did fucking suck, but thankfully even though I’d been shot twice, we were only digging one bullet out. The other had just been a graze.

“Don’t faint or I’m going to murder you,” Bash said, literally grabbing his gun. His shirt was bloody from where he’d carriedme inside the factory, and I had a feeling that I’d be hearing about it until the day I died.

The echo of the metal tweezers tinging together inside of my shoulder sounded like nails on a chalkboard and I ground my teeth together, trying to get my mind off the pain and the sickening sound.

“Fucking finally,” Layton said, dropping the tiny mangled piece into a plastic cup.

“I still don’t understand how this happened!” Jasper yelled. One of his tech men jumped at the sound of his thundering voice. His water bottle slid through his hands, hitting the floor, and spilling water everywhere.

“Sorry, sir,” he said, almost crying.

“Blade, apply pressure to Smoke’s arm,” Layton said, his voice unusually gruff.

Blade did as he asked, but watched Layton with curiosity. I did too. I was glad he’d taken a break from playing doctor. That had been about as much fun as a root canal.

Layton knelt in front of the tech guy, and placed his big hands over the man's much smaller ones. It was impossible to make out what he was saying over the chatter of everyone trying to figure out how we’d been ambushed.

The man fished some ear plugs out of his pockets and Layton nodded encouragingly as he plugged his ears with them. Layton stood, helping him to his feet before pointing in our direction. I averted my gaze, embarrassed to have been caught staring. Layton being so… attentive was a far cry from the guy we were used to seeing on a job.

“Mr. Rush wanted me to bandage your arm if that’s okay,” he said, standing in front of me.

“That’s fine, thanks,” I answered.

“My name is Tucker. I have some sensory issues and I’m wearing special headphones that help cut down on backgroundnoise. They still allow me to hear you, so don’t be scared to speak up if you need something,” he said, blushing adorably and scuffing the toe of his dinosaur sneakers on the tile floor.

Oh. My. Fuck.

Tucker had to be a Little and he must have been a Little that caught Layton’s eye.

Looking back to Layton, I watched in shock as he grabbed Jasper by the collar and pressed him to the wall with one arm against his throat.

Jasper’s eyes were shining with anger and his jaw was clenched, but he didn’t strike back. He nodded at whatever Layton said. That must have pleased Layton because he let him go. Jasper straightened his shirt before stomping out of the room.

“Fuck,” I groaned when Tucker pulled the bandage tighter.

“I’m really sorry. Mr. Rush said to make sure it was tight.”

Trying to give him my most encouraging smile, I told him, “It’s okay, buddy. You’re doing a really good job.”

He lit up under my praise and I found myself understanding Layton’s fondness for the man.

“You good?” Layton asked once he’d stomped his way back to me.

“I’m fine.”

“Are you lightheaded?” he asked.

“No.” I wouldn’t tell him if I was.

“Okay, I really feel like you passed out because of a drop in blood pressure. I’m going to let you get home to your girl, but I’ll send our doctor over tomorrow to check in with you. He’s in emergency surgery right now.”

I nodded, not willing to argue with him. Elliot would check me over.

“You’re just going to let him leave?” Bash asked, almost looking appalled.

“Yes, he’s fine.”

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