Page 41 of Inglorious
“Yup. They knew you were Miss Mysteria. They concocted something real nasty for you. It’s why Psych stood at my side,” Inglorious replied honestly.
“Is there evidence?”
“Yup. You don’t need to see or hear it. But yeah, there’s proof of what those assholes had planned. I wouldn’t have made a move otherwise,” he answered. Inglorious held my gaze and let me witness the truth in his eyes.
“Shit,” I muttered.
“You believed the same as Vortex and Hercules.”
“Maybe… Probably… Yes. I understood Vapour being taken out, but not the rest. Now I know.”
“What will you do with that knowledge, Nanci?”
“Nothing. What would be the point? That’s in the past, and there’s little left to affect us. We learn from it and move on.”
“Exactly,” he said and gazed at the clubhouse.
I looked behind me. There was nobody present.
“It’s not as painful to go inside. Shit looks different from what they knew. Tolerable is the word I’d use now. I was thinking of changing buildings, but it makes sense to stay there. Anyway, I’ve got stuff to do, catch you later,” Inglorious said and strode away.
I stared after him, guilt swamping me about many things. Inglorious wasn’t as weak as I’d believed. He was strong, but not in the way I’d witnessed. I’d misjudged him in the past, and blamed him for forcing Psych into murder. That was untrue. I’d underestimated how protective Inglorious had been of the club. He’d turned me down for the right reasons. If only Inglorious knew how I had taken revenge for what I’d perceived as a slight. The thought made me wince. Shit, I’d messed things up, and my only excuse was immaturity.
Unhappily, I sighed. Hindsight was often a damn problem!
???
Still contemplating matters, I entered the clinic and found Doc Paul at a desk. On a bunk near him, Kya slept, hooked up to an IV. It was two days after we’d rescued her.
“How is she?”
Doc Paul glanced at me. “Healing. Kya remains on fluids because her mouth is full of sores and blisters, so I’m treatingthem. They’re getting better, but she can’t eat or drink without them causing pain,” Doc Paul replied.
“Poor baby,” I said, running my hand over Kya’s hair. I noticed she was hugging a brand-new teddy. “Nice touch.”
“Not one I can claim credit for. Inglorious bought her it and some long nightgowns. He’s been with Kya a lot since we… reclaimed her.”
“He has?” I asked, surprised.
“Yup. Inglorious has spent every moment possible with her. It’s been a real surprise. Of course, I knew Inglorious was good with kids. However, he’s treating Kya like the precious girl she is,” Doc Paul replied.
Shame hit me. I’d not even considered what Kya needed. I had planned to take her shopping and spoil her rotten. But honestly, it hadn’t crossed my mind that Kya might need nightclothes.
“Has Kya been interfered with?” I asked, and Doc Paul immediately shook his head.
“No. Malnourished, dehydrated, and physically abused. No doubt emotionally and mentally too, but Kya was spared that.”
“That’s a damn relief.”
Doc Paul nodded. “Kya’s going to require a lot of help.”
“The guys will love Kya to bits, Doc, don’t doubt that. Kya’s Heat’s Princess, trust me, they’ll adore her to the day they die.”
Steadily, I held Doc’s gaze. “Anymore thoughts on joining us?”
“I’m surprised you’ve not been pushier, Nanci.”
“Doc, you’ve no idea how damn hard it was not to be in your face. But you are Snake’s immediate Legacy. Although there’s bound to be someone else…” I broke off as Doc Paul shook his head.
