Page 4 of Cruel Salvation

“Then I guess we have a deal.”

Nazareli moved to swing her legs out of the bed, and Jack sprang to his feet. “What the hell are you doing?”

Nazareli stilled, blinking as pain lanced through her like a rusty blade. “Getting to work.”

“No, not yet. You need to stay here until you’re fully healed and then I’ll send for you both. Things aren’t quite ready for you yet.”

“Oh.”

“Lotus, what are you doing?”

Her eyes moved to the man who looked ready to spit nails as he strode toward her angrily.

“Get back in bed at once. You’ll tear your stitches.”

“You know I already have one shitty dad. I don’t need a second.”

“Debatable, but you do need a keeper, so consider me your personal doctor until then.”

“I’m going to leave.” Jack looked between them and then focused on her. “I’ll be in touch, but as of this day, you’re officially dead.”

“Great. Let’s hope I end up in heaven, not hell.”

Jack shook hands with Rykov and he left as silently as he’d arrived.

“Did you set this up?”

“I did.”

“You’re very presumptuous and bossy.”

“Most people would be black and blue for speaking to me in such a manner.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not most people.”

“No, you are not. You’re unique and refreshing.”

“I’m not sleeping with you.”

Rykov laughed, throwing his head back, and she’d have to be blind to miss how handsome he was, but he didn’t make her feel that way. He made her feel safe in a different way.

“I wouldn’t sleep with a woman so mouthy as you, my sweet Lotus.”

“So friends?”

“Yes, we are friends.”

“With no benefits.”

“As you wish.”

“Can I call you bro? I never had a sibling.”

“You may not, but I’d be honoured for you to consider me that way.”

“Fine, Rykov it is.”

He nodded and gave her a wink.

“Rykov?”

“Yes, Lotus?”

“Can I have my damn drugs now?”

He sighed and hid his smile behind a frown. “I forgot how trying little sisters could be.”

“Don’t worry, I’m happy to remind you.”