Page 129 of Cuffed By Love

“She saved herself. I just reminded her of what she’s capable of, that’s all.” Levi explains, rubbing the back of his neck with a sigh.

“What’s G and T?”

Levi smirks, “Grab and Twist. A technique I taught her in Thailand when some guy wouldn’t stop bothering her.”

“Well, I’m glad you did, and I’m grateful you were there by my side, bro,” I admit sincerely, turning to look at him. “I saw red. If you didn’t stop me, I would have killed him and probably be locked up right now.” Levi looks at my fist when I hold it out to him. He smiles and bumps his fist with mine.

“I’ve always got your back, little bro.” He states. “Even if you are a pain in my arse most of the time.” I chuckle and shake my head. “If you break her heart again, I’m going to break your neck; I hope you know that.”

I nod in response, staring down at my feet. “It scared the life out of me how close I came to losing her. When I saw the blade at her neck, I would have taken her place without a second thought.” I sigh, clenching and unclenching my bruised hand.

“I know; you don’t have to tell me.” Levi and I straighten when Ayla comes through the sliding doors, looking oddly pale.

“Ayla, how’s your sister?” Aunt Kate questions in a flurry, rushing over to her eldest. Ayla looks directly over at me, but I can’t place the look on her face. Was she shocked? Scared? Is something wrong?

“Uh, she’s okay, a little concussed. They thought he broke or fractured a rib, but it’s just bruising. The doctors want to keep her in under observation for twenty-four hours, but she’s refusing.”

“Can I see her?” I ask, stepping forward, and Ayla nods.

“The police are taking her statement at the moment. Maybe after they're done, it would be great if you could convince her to stay because she isn’t listening to a word I’m saying.” I nod and release a breath of relief. She’s okay, a little beaten, but she’s okay.

My phone buzzes in my pocket, and I pull it out to see who it is. Cheng. He’s the Director of King records. “Cheng?” I answer.

“Hey Devin, sorry to bother you, but something urgent has come up that requires your immediate attention.” I frown and walk down the corridor.

“What is it?”

“Duncan has passed on his shares to his daughter, Megan, and she’s causing all sorts of havoc here, bro. Three artists have already walked out and refuse to work for a label that she’s a part of.”

I scowl and pinch the bridge of my nose. “Megan doesn’t know a goddamn thing about music. And how can Duncan transfer his shares to my label without consulting me first?” I grouse through clenched teeth, remembering I’m in a hospital.

“I don’t know. But if I were you, I’d get back down here pronto because at the rate she’s going, you’ll no longer have a label.” I almost put my fist through the wall. The last thing I need right now is to see Megan. And the last thing I want is to leave Mira, especially while she’s in this state. “Those three names you sent over and were looking to sign on, Megan sent them packing, even though they were pretty freaking awesome.”

“I’ll deal with it. But, in the meantime, find a way. I don’t care how you do it but get those artists back, Cheng.”

“Mate, I’ve tried everything.”

“You’re the Director. Try harder!” I bark and hang up the phone. “Christ.” This can’t be happening. This cannot be happening to me right now.

“Everything all right, bro?” Levi asks, walking over to me. I shake my head and utter a string of curses while I pace frantically.

“No, it’s not. Duncan has transferred his shares to my record label over to Megan without consulting me first, and apparently, she’s being a nightmare and driving away my artists.” I place my hands on my hips and shake my head. “What the hell am I going to do, Levi?”

Levi watches me pace and shrugs, “Sounds like you need to go and sort this out, brother.”

I curl my fingers in my hair and groan audibly. “How can I leave Mira in this state? And what about Dad? He’s not even recovered yet.”

Levi looks over at my dad and his frail frame and sighs, “Dad’s all right; he’s on the mend. He even found the strength to come here. He’s only got a couple more chemo sessions left anyway. And Mira will understand. It’s your business, Devin; you need to do what you need to do.”

“Understand what? She’ll think I’m deserting her again, especially after what she’s just suffered. She needs me. I can’t leave her. I can’t.” I huff agitatedly. “Fucking hell, it’s just one conundrum after another.”

“Then ask her to go with you,” Levi suggests, and I stop to think about that. Will she consider coming to Singapore with me? It’s not like it will be forever, maybe a couple of weeks, a month at most. If I know Mira, she’ll refuse, but I’ll find a way to convince her. Use what happened to her as an excuse to get her away for a bit. It will do her some good, and I know she will love Singapore.

After the police take her statement, I was able to see her. I walk into the room she’s in, and as I enter, she turns to look at me. Her cheek is so swollen and bruised, which is causing her left eye to swell shut. I walk over and perch on the bed. “Are you okay?”

Mira nods a little, “I will be when my body stops throbbing.” I take her hand into mine and rub her knuckles gently. “You saved me again.”

I sigh and brush a kiss on her soft hand. “I wish I got there sooner before he got you into this state.”

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