Page 62 of Mitchell
Mitchell nodded to Raylee's scars. "Those tell a different story."
"My parents are doctors. My dad's retired, but my mom is still in practice. She works overseas in areas desperate for medical care. She used to take my sister and I into places, if they weren't dangerous. Well, one time the medical center got bombed while I was there. And this happened. I'm fine. No lasting damage or anything."
"Does being a doctor run in the family?"
Raylee chuckled. "I came close. I'm a nurse. My sister owns a bookstore. The one in town with the dragon theme."
"Oh, yeah. We passed that place." It was the kind of place Mitchell would have robbed if he needed a little cash to tide them over.
"No stealing from my sister-in-law." Jude said as he swam over. He hung on the side of the pool, grinning at Raylee as if he were trying to be charming. By the expression on Raylee's face, it was working. "If you come swim with me, I'll give you a little surprise later."
Mitchell chuckled.
Raylee grinned. "What sort of surprise?"
"The sexy kind."
Raylee met Mitchell's gaze. "Will Seryn keep Daruss safe?"
"Probably." But he couldn't guarantee anything. The only person safe from Seryn was Mitchell. He'd kill everyone else if he deemed in necessary. "I think Daruss knows what he's getting himself into when he partners with Seryn."
"I know Daruss. That still doesn't mean he's safe." Raylee frowned.
Jude was up and out of the water in seconds. He took Raylee's face in both of his hands. "What did Daddy promise?"
"Not to put himself in danger anymore."
"You know he'll keep his promises. So, stop worrying and come swim. Let's have fun."
Raylee nodded. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize to me. Apologize to Daddy for doubting him when he gets here."
Raylee's eyes widened. "Don't tell him."
"We don't keep secrets. You know that." Jude held Raylee's hand as he pulled him toward the pool.
"But if we just don't tell him." Raylee used the stairs to get into the water, going slow. And, of course, Jude barreled into the water.
"Raylee. Come here." Daruss surprised everyone with his deep voice and easy command, including Mitchell.
Raylee came out of the water. He headed toward the house, where Daruss stood just outside the glass doors. "No punishment. Well, maybe edging."
Daruss sighed. "Just come here, boy."
Mitchell stood and made his way past Daruss and Raylee.
Daruss had his arm around Raylee and held him close. He whispered to Raylee. Mitchell wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but he heard what Daruss said when he came close enough. "I'll always come back to you and Jude. I love you more than anything. More than everything."
Daruss stopped Mitchell when he tried to walk past. "Seryn's waiting for you in the garage."
Mitchell nodded and went inside.
He went upstairs to grab a shirt before going into the garage.
Seryn had one of the kitchen chairs sitting on top of a tarp and Archie sitting in the chair. He wasn't tied to anything, but he didn't get up either. He shook, and he was pale as he watched Seryn organize knives, using the hood of a car as a table.
When Mitchell shut the garage door behind him, they both glanced in his direction.
