AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“He really is.” Macey prayed she was telling the truth, and she prayed desperately for Tristan, for Kiera, for Ray and the entire family.
She’d fallen in love with all of them.
Chapter Fourteen
Ray paced the main waiting room of the hospital in Traverse. His dad was sitting outside the trauma bay waiting for them to move T into the ICU after the emergency physicians treated his burns, intubated and sedated him. To his knowledge, T hadn’t woken and the burns were third degree on his shoulder and upper back where his shirt had been on fire and second degree on his neck and face. Steffan was with his dad. Malik was on his way, and he’d left messages for Curtis and Derek. Curtis usually had his satellite phone on. He would find his way here soon. Derek must be training and have his phone off, but he’d respond soon too.
Ray could not believe this had happened. He’d let down his guard, given into his all-consuming desires, kissed Macey, and his brother was now burned and would be dead if he’d been any closer to that bed. He swallowed but couldn’t swallow down the guilt. This was all his fault. He’d never been out of control in his life, but he had no control where Macey was concerned.
The exterior door opened and Macey rushed in, holding Kiera’s hand. Everything seemed to settle as he looked into Macey’s dark eyes. He wanted to rush to her and hold her and his sister.
No! His mum’s words played through his mind. You would do anything to protect this family, protect this kingdom. I know we’re safe with you around. He’d failed his mum and now he’d failed T. He couldn’t forgive himself for T being hurt. Now he associated his fatal attraction to Macey with his failure to protect his twin.
“Ray!” Kiera ran to him.
He picked her up and held her. She quivered against him. “Is T dead?”
“No, sweetie. No. He’s going to have some cool scars, but he’ll be okay.”
“I’ve been praying so hard,” she whispered.
“Me too, sweetheart. Me too.” He smiled at her, he hoped it didn’t look as put on as it felt. “Good job praying. I bet Mum is watching over him.”
Tears streaked down her pretty face. “That’s good. Mum always did think he was the ‘golden child’.”
Ray actually laughed at the tease Malik and Derek used to throw at T. Kiera grinned, as if pleased she could make him laugh.
“You’re right.” He set her on her feet but held her close.
Macey had stopped a couple feet away. She worried her lip and looked at him with those deep-brown eyes. “I am so sorry.”
He didn’t know if she was sorry T had been burned, sorry they’d both let their guard down, or a combination of both. He swallowed and tried to respond in a level tone, “You did great catching him.”
“I couldn’t have done it without pretending I was Kiera and sliding down the pole.”
Kiera smiled. “I taught you that.”
“You did.” She looked like she wanted to tell him more, but she cut her eyes to Kiera and then back to his face.
He nodded.
Malik strode in. Oh, thank heavens. After hugs and reassurances that T would be all right and the perp had been caught, Malik looked between Macey and Ray. He took Kiera’s hand. “Hey, kiddo. Let’s go see what treats and drinks we can find in this joint.”
“I don’t want treats,” she said. “But my throat is dry and hurts from crying.”
“I bet. Come on.” He tilted his chin up to Ray and then lifted a hand to Macey. The two of them strode through a door and were gone.
The waiting room was too quiet. A lady had been at the reception desk but wasn’t there now. This late at night on a Wednesday must be a slow time for the hospital.
Macey eased closer, her gaze begging him to talk to her, to work everything out between them, but it was too big of a mess.
He clenched his fists so he wouldn’t reach out for her. He could smell her clean, fresh scent, and it was messing with his mind.
“Jobe said he started the notes when Lisa broke up with him. He admitted he wanted to kill Tristan so Lisa would love him.” She shook her head. “I had the guards take Lisa for questioning too.”
“That was smart. I hope she’s not involved.”
“Me too. Kiera loves her, and she’s a constant in Kiera’s life.” Her pretty lips twisted. “Poor Kiera. She just clung to me and sobbed and sobbed.”
