Looking down, I see the blood.
Fuck.
I push the pain aside. It’s not the first time I’ve been shot, and I doubt it will be the last time. I really thought he had missed me, but I guess not. The adrenaline from the fight kept the pain at bay while I took care of business.
Reaching down, I grab my knife off the ground before slitting each man’s throat, even the one I strangled.
None would be left alive tonight.
Rushing through the woods as quietly as possible, I make it to the river. I lean down, snarling when I realize the ground looks disturbed. As if there was a struggle.
When I make it to the bank, see the indent of a body much bigger than my princess.
Fuck.
Wading through the river, I continue on, only releasing a breath when I realize the car is gone. Kenji would not have left without her.
Breathing out the breath I was holding, I climb onto my bike.
There is more going on at the house, but she’s out of it. That’s all I needed. Fuck her so-called family. They can take care of their own business.
Then I take off.
* * *
“Kai.”
Her voice calls out as soon as I pull my helmet off.
I want to chastise her for running out here in the open, but I don’t.
She’s changed. She’s still wearing my shirt, but now she wears a pair of sweats she must have found in the house.
I don’t hesitate as she throws herself into my arms. I pick her up, reveling in the way her legs wrap around my hips. My right hand splays across her ass as my left threads through her hair onto her neck, holding her closer to me. Her nose nuzzles my neck, making my heart soar.
I’m relieved she’s okay. My body finally relaxes.
When she pulls back, there are tears streaming down her face.
Leaning in, I kiss her lips gently. “Don’t cry, baby. I’m here.”
“I’m happy. These are happy tears. You’re here. You’re safe.”
“I am. Being outside isn’t smart though, princess. Let’s get you inside.”
I start to walk toward the house, holding off a grunt of pain as the adrenaline wears off.
Cleo gasps.
“You’re bleeding. Put me down. You’re hurt.”
I hold her tighter, nodding to Kenji as we pass him to enter the house.
“I’m fine. Let me hold you.”
“Fine? There’s a ton of blood! You’re bleeding out.”
I look toward Kenji and we both chuckle.
