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“Almost done,” I say softly, trying to break the tension, finishing with the antiseptic. I quickly cover the wound with a thick layer of gauze, securing it in place with medical tape. It’s far from a professional job, but it’ll have to do for now.
“Thanks,” Caden murmurs, his eyes meeting mine again with that open stare that is doing things to me it really shouldn’t. He’s doing his best to keep up appearances, but the pain he’s in is written across his face.
“Anytime,” I reply, forcing a small smile. “Actually, scrap that. Don’t get stabbed again.”
“I’ll try not to, angel,” he says with a flirty smile that reaches his eyes. “Although, if I’ve got you to take care of me, I might get stabbed more often.”
“Fuck right off,” Cathal growls.
“It’s Summer,” I murmur.
“Suits you,” he mutters and closes his eyes as he leans back, his face contorted in pain.
“It’s not as bad as it looks,” I add to Ciarán, avoiding Cathal’s simmering glare. “Not that I’m an expert, but it’s shallow, so I think he’ll live.”
“What a shame,” Cathal mutters.
“Summer,” Caden murmurs, and the sound of my name on his lips feels like a caress. “Can you pass me that water?”
“Of course,” I say, handing him the unopened bottle I had set on the coffee table earlier and open it. Our fingers brush as he takes it from me, and the warmth of his touch sends a jolt of electricity through my body.
“Thanks,” he whispers, his eyes never leaving mine as he takes a slow, deliberate sip from the bottle. The way he maintains eye contact feels like a challenge—or maybe an invitation.
“Are you feeling any better?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady despite the butterflies that have taken up residence in my stomach.
“Getting there,” he replies with a smirk, setting the bottle back down. “You’re a damn excellent nurse, you know that?”
“Thanks,” I reply, blushing furiously.
“Now that you’re done bleeding all over my expensive sofa, want to tell us what the fuck is going on?” Ciarán barks. “You don’t show your face for years and now, all of a sudden, you show up on my doorstep with a hole in your side.”
“Nothing I can’t handle. I was in the area, your apartment was closest. No big deal,” Caden says.
“This ismypatch. What the fuck were you doing here? Was this one of my guys?”
“Our guys,” Cathal mumbles, in such a pissy mood, I’m slowly retreating so I don’t get caught in some triplet crossfire that is definitely brewing big.
“Yeah, about that...” Caden says, looking between them as I reach the hallway. “Care to share?”
“Fuck you,” Ciarán snarls. “Start talking.”
“Wasn’t one of your guys. Now leave it.” For the first time since he arrived on the doorstep, I see the darkness in him. It’s just as fierce as his brothers’, but all it does is make him more attractive to me.
This is something I’m going to have to squash because I don’t see either Ciarán or Cathal accepting any feelings I might have for Caden. From this small interaction, I can see the youngest triplet is somewhat of an outsider with his two older brothers.
Unfortunately, all it does is draw me in even more, makes me want to know what makes him tick, makes me want to know him as well as I know Ciarán and Cathal.
Not good.
Not good at all.
25
SUMMER
Caden sighs and leans back against the plush pillows propped behind him. A pained grimace crosses his face for a moment before it fades, replaced by a contemplative expression.
“Summer, can I tell you something?” he asks hesitantly, his blue eyes searching mine.
