Page 75 of The Hunted

I lean in and brush a kiss against his temple, running my fingers back through his damp hair.

“I’m so sorry, Knox. Everything will be okay. You’re going to be okay. You have to be.”

Hearing any sound from him at this point, even if it is due to pain is a blessing. He looks so pale and has lost so much blood.

“I’ve got to go to Knox’s place and get the doors open. Lazz, can you give Raven a break for a minute? Let her get cleaned up.”

“I’m fine. I’m not moving. I’m not leaving him.”

They’ve lost their minds if they think I’m leaving his side right now.

Ace’s eyes narrow on me. “You don’t have to, you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, Ace. Go do what you need to do.”

He takes a gun from its holster and lays it beside the bed on the table.

“Just in case. I’ll only be gone a few minutes.”

“Thank you.”

I mean the words. He’s here for his friend. He’s been there for my sister. Ace is a good man. Knox is lucky to have had him by his side all these years.

Ace nods his head at me. Then he looks at his friend as he lies covered in his own blood. Worry and sadness mar Ace’s face. This breaks my heart for him, too.

“Ace?”

He reluctantly pries his eyes from his friend to look at me, like the shock that Knox is near death has just dawned on him.

“Go open the doors. I’m not leaving him.”

He looks back over Knox once more then turns, running from the infirmary to unlock the doors of the manor.

“You’ve got yourself a good man there, Raven.”

Lazz looks sad and tired as he runs a hand through his hair, pushing it from his face.

“He’s honorable. He may have a checkered past, but everything he’s done was due to necessity. He is a good man.”

“He is,” I agree whole-heartedly. He is a good man.

“I’m going to get some supplies that I know Snake will need. You’re doing a great job Raven, but when he shows up, I want you to let me take over. Okay? You’ve had quite the night yourself.”

“Okay.”

My arms burn from the constant pressure I’m having to apply. I can feel the fatigue trying to set in, but there’s no way I’d let go. Lazz moves about the infirmary like a man on a mission as I watch Knox’s chest rise and fall, the steady rhythm soothing me. Long minutes pass then Lazz is beside me.

“Okay, sweetheart. Let me get in here.” He slides his hands in between mine. I feel his strength press into Knox’s flesh, and I slowly untangle myself from Lazz. My hands turn numb as I shake them.

“There’s a restroom back in the back. It has a shower and some clean towels. There’s also some scrubs. Take a quick shower and change. You’ll feel better.”

My eyes settle on Knox.

I can’t leave him, not even for a few minutes. What if he dies?

“I promise I’ll come get you if anything changes. You have my word.”

I lean over, smoothing Knox’s hair and kiss his temple. His skin feels chilled and the color has long since drained from his face.

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