Page 11 of Forge the Blade

“Fixated on Rei. Full protector mode. It’s going to take time to see the full outcome.”

Alexi took an audible breath. “You still trust him?”

“With Rei, I do.” Sevastyan let out a long breath. “He’s the only reason Dirk didn’t tear through my lair.”

“You’re the only one after me to say that.” Alexi gave an unsettled laugh. “Take care of our boys and tell me if you need anything. Rest. Recover. Tell me how it goes. I’ll poke the Yadro, find out where Dirk is.”

“Gracias.”

“The pleasure is mine. It will be good to take Dirk down. And now he’s given me a reason.” Alexi hung up.

Lisa relaxed. Rei reached across Sevastyan and curled one finger around Lisa’s thumb. Lisa wrapped his hand around Rei’s, holding him loosely over the cuts and contusions.

“We need water. Food.” Sevastyan looked between Rei and Lisa.

“Shower.” Lisa blinked at Sevastyan and wrinkled his nose. “You smell like a reaper.”

“You killed as many as I did yesterday,” Sevastyan retorted.

Lisa smirked. “Not as many as your sugar mommy.”

Sevastyan raised an eyebrow.

Lisa’s lips split into a full grin.

But Rei was holding very still, not breathing. Sevastyan didn’t look at him, careful to not bring attention to him in a moment of distress.

“Ellisandre will be back later with food. Do you want to meet them naked or clean and dressed?”

“Haven’t decided,” Lisa said.

Sevastyan prodded Lisa towards the edge of bed. “Out. I’ll help you first, then Rei.”

“I can do it,” Rei whispered.

“No.” Sevastyan and Lisa said at the same time. They both turned to him.

Rei stared up at them from the tangled sheets, eyes wide.

“You’re hurt,” Sevastyan said, reaching out and touching Rei’s face gently with one finger.

“So are both of you,” Rei whispered. He pulled the sheet up until it covered everything but his eyes, shoulders hunched.

“Yes,” Lisa replied. “But Sev and I are big pussies who can’t admit when shit is fucked up, so we have to take care of you so we can pretend.”

Sevastyan blinked at Lisa. Lisa shrugged, the bruising on his face giving his lips a twisted, sardonic tilt.

“You . . . you . . . twat!” Sevastyan spat.

Lisa cackled. “Oh, was Rei not supposed to know that?”

Sevastyan swiped at Lisa. Lisa ducked, falling on the bed, then gasped, grabbing at his ribs.

“You’re going to hurt yourself,” Sevastyan grumbled. He reached out, stabilizing Lisa before he jostled his ribs again.

“I always do.” Lisa forced himself to sit up again but held his hand out to Sevastyan for help. “Come on, let’s shower. We can help each other and then look after Rei together.”

“I’m going to strangle you before this is over, aren't I?” Sevastyan muttered.