AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Demetri,” I try to speak, but it comes out hoarse and hurts my throat.
A hand squeezes mine, and turning my head, I see Demetri lies on the ground beside me. My eyes want to roll to the back of my head, but I fight for them to stay open as my brother comes to stand over me. A pop and a crash are another reminder I was just in a house that was on fire.
“You’re lucky I was able to follow Demetri.”
“Cap—?” I try to speak again.
“The girls are safe. I have my men at your house. You’re both safe now.”
My head rolls to the side, and I watch as the rest of the house falls in on itself. I wait to see if Mikhail will rise from the fire, but he never does. Each minute that passes, I become more certain he can’t survive the gunshots plus the fire, and I finally give in to my urge to cry.
Chapter 37: Demetri
Myheadisthrobbing,and my throat feels like I’ve eaten a whole ashtray. I can’t stop the wheezing coming from deep within my chest as I help Katrina stand, but I’m in worse shape than she is.
Her delicate hand touches my cheek, her soft fingers barely grazing the singed beard I have, yet they feel like razors against my skin. But I’m determined to not flinch from the touch.
I shake her brother’s hand. If it weren’t for him, we would both be dead. It hurts my ego to admit that I needed someone else to save my wife and family for me.
“Thank you. I owe you my life. If you ever need me, call me.” I’m a man of my word. I don’t hand out favors; I’m the one who collects them.
“I have my doctor on hand to check you guys out.”
My body flinches. “Please have them look at Katrina. I have my own doctor.”
“Demetri, you need more than one doctor to look you over,” her voice is soft and low. Her eyes narrow in on the part of my face that feels numb except when pressed upon. My once smooth beard is now patchy with what I can only assume are blisters.
“Your health is most important to me.” I give her a light kiss on her forehead. Her skin looks a little red, with black soot, but I can’t find any noticeable burns on her perfect skin.
“I’ll take you both back,” her brother announces, and I hate that he feels like he needs to take charge. I can’t accept his kindness when he already saved our lives.
“Please take your sister for me. It will be another favor I owe you, and have the girls taken to your house. I know they’ll be safe with your family.”
Katrina steps into me, wrapping her arms around my waist. “You’ll see a doctor, then come to get us, right?” Her doe eyes are large and shine with worry.
“You give the girls a kiss for me.” I refuse to lie to her, and I’m out of promises.
Luca’s eyes flash with pity before it disappears, and I question if I’m only seeing what I feel.
I stand and watch him wrap his arm around his sister’s shoulders to lead her to his car. I don’t move from my spot until his car disappears from my view.
I try to take off my pants, but parts of the material stick to my skin. The leather seat that should be soft beneath me has me groaning in pain as I lower myself onto it. The pressure in my skull is great, and I have to grind my jaw and try to focus on anything other than the condition my body is in.
I don’t call the doctor; I just go to my club. The men around the space stare but are smart enough to stay quiet. I head into the basement. Its musky metallic smell is welcomed. There’s a hose and sprayer normally used for cleaning up after tortures but also acts as a shower when we need it. I step under the spray, and even the water that cascades over me feels like nails clawing down my skin.
The coldness does nothing to cool my body temperature. Using scissors, I get to work on cutting off my clothes. Parts of it stick, as it’s been burned into me and looks more like plastic than clothing.
It takes me an hour, and I’m beyond exhausted by the time I hear footsteps descending. I watch as my doctor comes in with his large duffle bag of goodies. I’m too exhausted to fight it. Without a word, I lie on the large metal table and close my eyes.
I’ve failed once again, when I worked so hard to never let my guard down.
The doctor knows me enough to stay quiet. I refuse to show any signs of pain as he does his job. “If you want to minimize the scarring on the right side of your face, I suggest you call in a surgeon to look at you.”
“I’m not afraid of scars. Do your best, but I won’t be seeing anyone else.”
“These bandages will have to be changed daily. Burn victims have a high risk of infection.”
“Leave them on the chair.”
