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“The cut looks worse than it is. It’s stitched up nicely. Her vitals are slower than normal, but I think it’s just because her body went into a survival state. Not because she’s at risk of dying. The only thing they could do is give her blood, but I don’t think she lost much. There isn’t much on her clothing or hair. And her cheeks are still pink.”
“Rowan said she didn’t lose much blood from what he could tell.”
“Good, I think all she needs is rest and time.”
“Home, Langston.”
I stroke her hair. “I’m so sorry. I’m so fucking sorry. Never again. Never.”
I repeat over and over as Langston drives us home. And I don’t care who hears or knows what I’m thinking. Kai is too important to risk ever again.
She will never forgive me for this.
I will never forgive myself for this.
But I can ensure it will never happen again. I will do everything I can to protect her. Even if it kills me.
AS WE PULL up to the house, Kai opens her eyes. As if she was waiting to feel truly safe before she came back to the world.
She blinks rapidly as she looks at me.
“Enzo?” She croaks. Her voice sounds scratchy, and she winces at the pain.
“Shh, don’t talk. You’re safe.”
Her eyes are immense as she looks at me like she can’t believe I’m really here.
The doctor smiles. “I’m glad you are awake Miss Miller. Would you like some pain medication for that neck?” He reaches down to produce a couple of pain pills and a water bottle from his bag.
I take the pills and hold them up to her lips. She takes them, and then I carefully pour water through her parted lips.
“You’ll make a full recovery soon. You just need to rest. By tomorrow you should feel a lot better.”
“What—” she starts.
I press a finger to her lips.
“Don’t use your voice to ask me questions.”
I can read her eyes and body well enough to know what she’s going to ask anyway.
“We found Milo’s closest enemy and hired them to get you out before you got to the yacht. We didn’t want Milo knowing we were the ones to get you because we were afraid Milo would attack us and try to get you back. I vowed to protect you, and so I will. Even if I failed you now.”
Her pupils dilate before turning small.
“Yes, I had every man I know with a connection to Milo call his phone with various questions—problems with the yacht, questions about partnerships, money transfers, weapons that were supposed to be delivered to him, anything I could to keep him occupied and you safe.”
She nods a thanks.
“Don’t you dare thank me. Don’t thank any of my men or Rowan’s men. We should be protecting people that deserve it. And you, beautiful, deserve every inch of our protection. You deserve so much more than I can give you.”
“I’m so sorry he hurt you,” I stroke her neck where a permanent scar will serve as another reminder of the pain, just like all the other marks on her body.
Her eyes shine, and I realize what she’s trying to say. She’s not sad about the scar. It’s a good reminder. A reminder of something she did to Milo.
I smile. “You hurt him first?”
She nods.
