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“Where were you tonight? What happened?”
Although I have some information, I need to verify the accuracy of what happened. His body language tells me he’s unsure of what to say. I can sense his hesitation and assume he’s weighing the pros and cons of sharing some information with me. My intuition tells me that I’ll only receive the partial truth.
“Something happened, and we had no choice but to be there. I cannot tell you exactly what. Yet.” Yet? Interesting. “But shit went south, and shots were fired. There were more guards than we expected. Or at least, more came out of nowhere. That’s how Tim was shot.” He finishes with a long exhale of air.
Okay, so he did tell me more than half of it, which is surprising. I nod because there is not much I can say. Aidan’s eyes are fixed on me, lost in thought, as he weighs his options. I can feel the warmth of his hands on mine, resting on my knees.
“I—.” Just as he begins to speak, my brother’s voice cuts through the air, interrupting him.
“Guys. Tim is awake.” We share a brief, knowing glance before he reaches out to help me stand.
I don’t know what to do with what happened tonight. Why is he being so sweet? I take a deep breath as I walk out of the bathroom. I guess it’s time to surrender and wave the white flag. For now.
“Hey, big guy,” I say quietly to Tim as I sink into the chair in the corner of the room. The guys moved him into the guest room, and based on what Bai told me, it seems he will be there for several weeks. And he’s not happy about it. “How are you feeling?” His naked torso bores numerous cuts, and a strap extends from his shoulder to his waist to bear the weight. Bailey didn’t ask any questions as she removed the bullet that was in plain sight. I know she will have some, but I cannot offer her any more information than she already has since I am unsure about it myself.
“Like I took a bullet to the shoulder.” I chuckle.
“I thought we agreed you weren’t going to get shot,” I say with a serious look on my face.
“I tried. We eliminated most of the guys, but then more vans came. It wasn’t the Snakes,” he says, his voice sounding raspy and tired. “They were speaking in Italian.” I nod, giving him a sip of water that was on the table.
The room is cosy. Dark but cosy. A luxurious king-size bed takes centre stage in the bedroom, flanked by two sturdy oak wood side tables. The high window is adorned with elegant, dark, velvety curtains that hang gracefully from the ceiling. The modern TV is seamlessly integrated into the wall, blending in with the sleek design of the room. I sink deeper into the chair.
“I know. I’m looking into it.” Fatigue washes over me like a wave as I let out a deep sigh. “I dispatched my team to verify the safety of the girls. They may have seen their faces.” He glances at me, perplexed. “Don’t give me that look. You know as well as I do that they might be more willing to speak and feel less threatened around women than men.”
“Your team is mostly composed of women.” He chuckles. “Except for Cailean and a few other guys.”
I can’t help but notice the twinkle in his eyes when he says Cailean’s name.
“What can I say? Superiority is always better.” I smirk at him. “I think we proved we are smart and capable of defending ourselves. And others,” I add.
“Yeah, yeah.” He lets out a deep yawn, his eyes heavy with sleep.
“Okay, you. That’s my cue to leave. Get some rest. I’ll check on you tomorrow,” I say, feeling the softness of his hair as I kiss him on the top of his head. “Bailey left some medicine for you on the bedside table and left you with a buzzer in case you require anything. This place is full of people, so don’t hesitate.” I already know what he’s about to say when I see him open his mouth. ”And no, you can’t go back to your own place,” I cut him off. “We need to monitor you, and this place is as safe as a palace.”
“Fine.” He pouts like a kid. He’s cute when he is grumpy. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Can’t make promises I can’t keep,” I speak over my shoulder, halfway out of the room, my voice trailing off as I turn to leave.
Chapter 12
Aidan
The music in the bar fills my ears as I enter. I opened this one three years ago with Scott. Following the success of our initial club seven years ago, we opted to launch a second, more laid-back establishment. It’s not a club, per se, but more of a pub.
While Dust’s decor is classy and was made especially for her, Black Knight is more rustic. The wooden bar stands out in the room, surrounded by high stools that offer a clear view of the bustling activity, while the square tables and bench seating provide a more intimate setting for conversation.
We chose to have our office on the second floor, similar to our other clubs, with one-way glass windows that let us keep an eye on everything.
My attention is currently fixed on Blakely, who is engaged in conversation with one of my guys. Is this going to be a habit? Her in my clubs, dressed like sin, with her dress hugging her curves. I find myself stalking each of her movements from my office window.
It has been a few days since Tim was shot, and I guess she has been working her arse off with Paris business lately. From what I heard, Emilie and Bailey had to beg her to go out tonight, so it’s no surprise to find them here.
What is surprising is that my guy is clearly not caring for his life tonight.
I finish my drink in one swift gulp, feeling the burn of the alcohol as it goes down my throat, and head towards the bar, trying to compose myself. If Scott were here, he would advise me this isn’t the time to kill someone just for talking to her. But he’s not here to monitor me.
Placing myself in line of sight, I can see Joe’s panicked glare.
