Page 48 of Kneeling for Daddy
I bump into Hawk in the kitchen. He’s leaning against the counter, arms crossed, a half-smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “I never thought I’d see the day,” he muses, his eyes tracking me as I pour myself a shot of vodka.
My brows furrow in confusion. “What do you mean?”
Hawk chuckles, shaking his head. “I thought we were in the same club… bachelors for life.”
I lean against the counter opposite him and throw back the shot. For as long as I have known him, Hawk has been single as hell. He’s not celibate, but he doesn’t see anyone enough to developthe slightest hint of feelings. I have a strong suspicion some woman broke his heart long before I met him, but I also know him well enough to know it’s not something he would ever admit outright.
Shrugging, I finally meeting his gaze. “I blame her brother. He didn’t exactly give either of us a choice in the matter.”
Hawk raises an eyebrow, tilting his head and inviting an explanation. I run a hand over my face and take a breath. “Remember the bodies we laid out on the tarmac?” Hawk nods. “The asshole who masterminded trying to take Eavan was Alek and Ani’s father.”
“Are you fucking serious?”
“Deadly. The little shit found all the proof and forced our hands. I married her to keep us all out of prison.”
Hawk crosses his arms slowly, the corners of his mouth twitching into something like a smile. “But clearly, regardless of how you wound up with her, you love her.”
Fuck…
I do…
I fucking do…
I love her.
I love her in ways that make no sense at all, but in ways I can’t ignore. I love her, and I’d go to hell and back to make sure she never loses her brother. And while I’m at it, I’ll make damn sure she knows she is never losing me, either.
Hawk smirks faintly, apparently satisfied with the unspoken truth. “I’d say you’re screwed.” He sighs, a mixture of teasing with a hint of seriousness. “But I think you already know that.”
I sit beside Alek’s bed, my hands clutching his as if I’m the one thing tethering him to this world. The room smells faintly of antiseptic and the lingering copper tang of his blood, even though I cleaned most of it from him. These last three days have been torture. I’m helpless; unable to do anything but sit here and hope for the best.
The entire time, Nik has hovered nearby, his observation of us has been constant, even when he leaves the room—often sending his brothers, Eavan, or Madison to sit with me. He hasn’t pushed and doesn’t speak unless it’s necessary. But his quiet patience is enough to remind me that someone is taking care ofme, even when all I can focus on is Alek. I’ve protested and argued at every turn, but the truth is, I am grateful. Nik has forced me to eat, torn me away from this bed to shower, and insisted I do the bare minimum to take care of myself.
Leaning forward, I brush my fingers over Alek’s wrist, checking for the umpteenth time today to ensure I can still feel the thrum of life. His finger twitches, the movement is so small I wonder if it’s a figment of my imagination. It moves again, and Iinstinctively clutch his hand. A pained, raspy groan rattles from him as his eyelids flutter open.
“Alek,” I excitedly whisper, as unrestrained tears spring to my eyes. “Oh God, Alek, please be okay.”
He coughs softly—groaning at the pain—blinking against the harsh light. “Ani…?” His tone is hoarse and ragged.
“Oh, thank God,” I whisper, pulling his hand to my face. I exhale shakily, fighting the urge to climb onto the bed and hug him as tears fall down my cheeks. Relief hits me so hard it makes my knees weak. “He’s awake!” I shout. My voice is so broken I wonder if anyone will even understand me.
Instantly, Nik is at my side, one hand on my back and the other on my cheek, gently wiping away my tears. “Breathe, Ani,” he urges, as I sob uncontrollably. “He’s gonna be okay.”
Damon steps into the room, moving quickly but with a deliberate calmness. “Vitals are strong, and his heart rate is steady,” he shares as he checks Alek’s pulse and listens to his lungs. “Welcome back. You’re going to want to take it easy; your body has been through a lot.”
Alek’s face scrunches in confusion as he stares up at Damon. “Who the fuck are you?”
I laugh—loudly—choking on my tears. “You… You’re really okay.”
Alek shifts, groaning as he attempts to push himself upright. I jump forward instinctively. “No! Don’t even think about it,” I snap. “You got shot, you almostdied. Maybe don’t be such a stubborn ass and just lie here like Damon said.”
His lips purse together, and he grumbles under his breath, but he doesn’t argue—not really—as he slumps back into the pillow.Probably because it hurts too damn much and he knows I’m right.
Minutes pass in heavy, tense silence, punctuated only by Alek’s quiet breaths and our collective relieved ones. “The club…” he groans.
Nik leans closer to me and gently runs his palm down my spine. His voice is soft but firm when he insists, “Ani… you need to step out for a minute. Just one minute. I’ll keep him safe. You’ve been in here for practically three days straight.”
“I’m not leaving him.” I shake my head, clinging to Alek’s hand.
