Page 104 of Gray Area

“What are you doing here?” I ask him. He’s supposed to be studying in Europe until the summer.

“Oh, you know, I finished my finals and was like,”—he holds up his hands displaying them like scales— “should I go and explore this rich and cultural land full of history or,” he says, emphatically holding up his other hand, “should I go and see my brother who nearly died at the hands of a fucking lunatic?”

I close my eyes, the memories filtering in of what happened with Lexington’s sons. “It was a tough call,” Roman says, interrupting my thoughts, “but I hopped on a flight and here I am.” The youngest Falco gives me his award-winning smile.

I shake my head. “You should have stayed in Europe. I’m fine,” I tell him.

“Oh yeah, you look fine,” he agrees sarcastically. “Never looked better, in fact. Getting shot three times and an ass-kicking really brings out the best in you. Maybe you can get a cane now, and walk like a pimp,” he encourages. “I’ll buy you a fur and everything. Faux, of course.”

I feel the smile on my face—this fucking kid.

He heaves out a sigh and leans forward. “Seriously though, Declan, you scared the shit out of me. Are you okay?”

I move my hand, pushing through the stiffness and aches in my limbs, and grab Roman’s hand. “I’m okay, buddy,” I assure him. “I got banged up, but I’m okay.”

He nods, and I see relief flash across his face. “Well, good, because nobody wants to take over the business from you, so we still need you, you twat waffle. I mean, who is going to fund my education?” He loves to cover his stress with humor, and he’s good at it, but we all see through it. “You need anything?” he asks me.

My eyes land on Vivian again, still asleep, and I look back to Roman. “Are Slade and Axel okay?” I ask.

Roman nods. “Not a scratch on them.”

“And Dad?” I ask.

“He flew in this morning. He’s been here, but the old man needed a nap,” Roman tells me, smirking. I can tell he is loving that he could share that tidbit with me. Roman hops up. “I’m going to get a coffee. I know Axel and Slade want to talk to you too, and I’m still told I’m too young to be in the room apparently,” he tells me sarcastically with an eye roll. We keep pushing off involving Roman in the business. Axel, Slade, and I aren’t sure it’s what he wants. “So while you guys talk business, I’m going to go and flirt with the barista in the coffee shop downstairs.”

Roman stands, and I see how much of a man he really is, his stature and frame very much like mine now. He leans down and kisses my forehead. “Love you, Dec.”

“I love you too, Roman.” I watch him leave, noticing I’m now able to move my body more, relieving some of the tense areas.

Axel and Slade come in moments later, quietly making their way to my bedside.

“You good?” Slade asks, as Axel assesses me silently with his stare.

“What happened?” I ask them, and they fill in the gaps my mind has, which helps me connect all the pieces. “Kent?” I ask.

“Arrested,” Slade says. “Charges already brought up on a dozen things. He’s trying to plea, but they aren’t having it.”

A sick pleasure fills me. That fucker. “And Matthews ?”

“Dead,” Axel says.

“Good. Who did it?” My brothers exchange a look. “One of the guards?” I ask, remembering them counting down to Matthews.

“Nope,” Slade says.

“Who?” I ask, wanting to know whose hand I get to shake when I get out of this stupid fucking bed.

Both of my brothers’ eyes slide to the sleeping black-haired angel at the foot of my bed.

“Vivian?” I ask, louder than intended, making her stir in the chair. My brothers and I freeze until she settles back in.

“Yup, and she hasn’t left you since,” Axel says.

“How long has it been?” I ask, never moving my eyes from the woman before me.

“Five days,” Axel answers.

“See, Declan, I told you getting her back would be no big deal,” Slade says with a wink.

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