Page 2 of Fiendish Ways

Nebraska shook his head. “I ran out before you left town, and I didn’t have any way to get them filled.”

Irritation crossed Cree’s features. “Why didn’t you say something?”

Nebraska went back to staring at his cereal. The pain in his stomach was building to unbearable again, making him sensitive. “Archer doesn’t like it when I bother you. Plus, I already feel like a burden.”

Cree pushed Nebraska’s bowl away, forcing him to look Cree’s way. “Come on. Let’s take care of this before you’re incapacitated.”

“You just got home.”

Cree made a show of dropping his gaze to the way Nebraska white-knuckled the edge of the table. Nebraska pried his fingers away and clasped his hands in his lap. A cold sweat coated his skin. With a shake of his head, Cree easily plucked Nebraska from his chair and headed down the hall. He paused as he passed a housekeeper.

“Will you grab an ice pack for me?”

The lady nodded, and Cree kept moving. “You relax with an ice pack, and I’ll run to the pharmacy.”

Nebraska stared up at Cree from his spot in Cree’s arms. “Always the hero.”

Cree snorted.

Nebraska hid a smile against Cree’s chest at the sound. Just being in Cree’s arms made him feel a tad better. He knew Cree would fix everything. That was what Cree did. He made Nebraska better.

Even though Cree didn’t know how to say it, he resented the days of working that took him away from Nebraska. They had a unique relationship. From the moment Cree brought Nebraska home, he had become like a dragon hoarding his treasure—or a white lady with a stray dog. He wanted to put Nebraska in soft pajamas and give him treats.

Cree couldn’t explain what happened or when. At first, Cree had only felt mild pity for Nebraska. Then he had noticed Nebraska’s green eyes were pretty in the sunlight and his curly hair looked soft. His first breaking point had been the day he found Nebraska curled in a tight ball and silently crying. Nebraska had refused to make a sound, as if he worried being any sort of nuisance would get him hurt. Cree had immediately called in a private doctor. He had also hovered like an old mother hen the entire time. Cree didn’t like to talk about that, while Archer loved bringing up that part. Now Nebraska hurt again, and Cree hated it. He had to make him better.

Cree headed up the stairs and to his bedroom. He had kept Nebraska in his room since bringing him home. That had been an order straight from Archer. If Cree wanted to keep Nebraska—like a stray dog—he had to keep the boy in his room, out of everyone’s hair, and watch him so he didn’t escape. They couldn’t risk Nebraska telling anyone anything he saw there. Cree knew better, though. Nebraska had nowhere to go, no money, and no family. He wouldn’t run away. Still, Cree did as told. He set Nebraska on the bed they shared and then plugged in the heating pad. Nebraska needed to do ice for a few minutes first and then rotate to heat. While that might not work for everyone, that seemed to work best for Nebraska until Cree could get meds in him. They had a lot of practice trying different things to soothe his pain. It had taken weeks for Nebraska to find relief from the pills. He supposed it had to build up in his system, but still, that whole month had been hell.

Someone knocked on the door. Cree raced to answer. Thankfully, it was the ice pack he requested. Cree snagged it and mumbled his thanks before quickly returning to Nebraska’s side. He passed it Nebraska’s way, since he didn’t know where the worst of the pain was located.

Nebraska flashed him a grateful smile.

Cree pulled out his phone and called in a favor.

King answered on the third ring. “Hello?”

“Hey, King. Can I get you to make a pharmacy run for me?”

“Sure. I’m already at the store for Angel.”

“Thank God. Can you grab Nebraska’s script? He’s in a lot of pain.”

“Sure. There are also some pain meds in my room, if he needs them.”

“Thanks. I’ll check your stash.”

“See you in a few.”

King disconnected the call and Cree put his phone in his pocket. “I’ll be right back.” He rushed from the room and across the hall to King’s room. King hadn’t been living with them for long. Most of his things were still in boxes. He had been hired—at first—to protect one of Archer’s assets. Since that job ended, he had come to live with Archer to give Cree more time off during the week. Cree appreciated the help. Even though Archer didn’t jet around the country the way he had before he married, Cree still had to be on duty way more than most before King came onboard. Cree liked the guy, but King did like his pills. Not only was Cree not one to judge, but he was also grateful today. He easily found something strong to help Nebraska. Cree hurried back to their room.

After grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge in their room, he hurried back to Nebraska’s side. “Here. Take one of these.”

Proving how much pain he was in, Nebraska didn’t question a thing. He swallowed the pill and settled back down. “Thank you.”

Cree didn’t need to be thanked. He needed Nebraska to get better. “Scoot over.”

Nebraska winced as he made room for Cree beside him. Cree settled on his side next to Nebraska and gently rubbed the spot below the ice pack. He felt how shallow Nebraska’s breaths were, as if he measured each one to mitigate the pain.

Cree pressed his lips to Nebraska’s temple. “Just relax. Close your eyes. I’ve got you.”

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