Page 29 of Evil Beautiful

My father’s eyes slid over the tattoos on my arm and chest. “You have changed so much I hardly recognised you when we walked into your room. Gideon, your boyfriend, called to let us know you had been kidnapped and injured.” He looked at me with a frown between his brows and I wondered what the hell he was thinking.

I didn’t have to wait long.

“Are you sure about this relationship, Kellen? He’s a lot older than you and according to the detective I spoke to he has connections to some very dangerous people and his reputation isn’t the best.” He sounded really worried.

Bronnie just sounded angry as she defended me. “Leave him alone, Dad. He’s a grown man and able to make decisions for himself. Do not try to interfere in his relationship.”

I loved her for defending me.

“I love him and he loves me. That’s all I need to know.” I tried to keep the harshness from my voice but didn’t succeed.

“I’m not judging, Kellen, that’s not what this is. I’m just worried about the age gap and your safety.”

I closed my eyes and drew in a breath before I answered.

“He’s older but it’s not something either of us cares about. He’s good for me and I’m good for him. That’s all that is important.”

I was about to add that he was going to be the father of my children but I didn’t get the chance.

My crazy surfing buddy came storming into the room.

Strange.

I smiled when she impatiently pushed Brendan and Bronnie out of her way to get to me.

“You scared the shit out of me, Kell. Don’t ever, ever do that again.” She snarled as she gently slid her arms around my shoulders and gave me a gentle hug then just held me. She smelled of the beach, sunscreen and sea salt.

Such a good smell that I closed my eyes and breathed her in.

She lifted away slightly and pressed her lips softly to my hurt ones. She has always kissed me hello, and it has never meant more than a greeting. It still didn’t mean more than that.

“I wanted to come in before but those starched nurse types wouldn’t let me in. They only allowed Gideon to sit with you because he gave them that dominating stare of his. Bitches fell like bowling pins to get him whatever he wanted.” Gently sliding her arms from around me she straightened and winked.

“The surfing buddies all send their best wishes and they wanted me to tell you to get better because winter and the big waves are coming.” She glanced over my body and shook her head. “Not that I think you’re going to be surfing any big waves this year, sorry baby, but it’s the honest truth. You’ve got some serious healing to do according to Doc Cohen.”

She kept on prattling as my stunned family looked on. Her hand was clasped around my throat all the time. As if she was checking on my pulse. She most probably was.

“How did you get my doctor to talk to you?”

She grinned and winked. “Us Jewish people stick together.” She burst out laughing and shook her head, setting her dark blonde sun streaked hair flying around her head. “I’m lying. I flirted with his assistant and he told me. I might have promised him a date.” She scrunched her nose and pulled a face.

“Poor assistant. Does he know you’re a total control freak?” I teased.

She winked. “Not yet, but he will.”

“Jesus, Strange.” I laughed and immediately grimaced in pain.

“Where’s your pain button thing?” She started going through my bedding trying to find whatever the hell she was talking about.

“Hah! Found it.” She held up a cord with a button on the end and smiled at me as she pushed it.

Whatever was released into my veins by the push of that button I loved it.

The pain receded and I felt as if I was sinking through the mattress and pillows as I relaxed.

“That’s better.” I whispered.

She laughed close to my ear. “They gave you the good drugs, baby. You sleep and when you wake up Gideon will be here. I’ll look after your family. Sleep.”

---