Page 48 of Working Out West

I glared. Kylo spoke up. “He’ll be safe here.”

Wreck, who’d arrived at some point, snorted.

I rolled my eyes.

“He stays,” Papa said, eyeing Wreck. “I will order the others to go with us.” He knew and trusted that Dimitri and I were more than capable of taking on the room if needed. However, I knew nothing would happen, because I had Kylo and Lucas in my corner.

“Acceptable.”

Once the door closed, I turned to the others in the room. “I know you do not know me. But I promise this, none of my father’s work will disrupt your lives. He takes every precaution to not be seen when here or else he would not visit. He does not want to risk my mother or me.”

“As long as it stays that way,” State said.

“It will. I know this or I would not stay. I would not want anything from that side of the family to touch West.”

“Speakin’ of West,” Death started. “What do you think is gonna happen between you two? As far as I knew, you were just a client who West wanted to get away from.”

Dimitri stilled beside me. I glanced there and told him, “It is fine.” His jaw clenched, but he nodded. I looked to Death again. “What West and I have is between us. I will not speak to anyone about it but him. However, I will let you know that I will be making West mine. If he will have me.”

Silence answered me. I crossed my arms over my chest and waited them out.

“If he doesn’t want anythin’ to do with you, you gonna leave him alone?” Wreck asked. I curled my lip at him. I was not sure what it was, but there was something about Wreck I did not like.

“I would leave,” I told him. “While West is here, though, you will have to put up with me staying.”

“I could kick you out,” he growled.

I dropped my arms and took a step forward. “I would like to see you try.”

“Fuckin’ hell, we get it. You two think you’re the biggest and baddest out there,” Kylo snapped. “But for fuck’s sake, we’re thinkin’ of West.” He pointed toward the hall. “And he will want Adrik to stay.” Saint slipped up behind Kylo and placed his hands on his lover’s sides. After he whispered something in Kylo’s ear, Kylo sighed and nodded. “Look, this ain’t my house. I can’t say who stays or goes. But I have a feelin’ that West will need Adrik.”

Wreck’s jaw clenched. “I don’t like you,” he said to me. “Stay until West says otherwise, and then I’ll take great pleasure to kick you the fuck out.”

I nodded. I was not in the mood to goad Wreck more, and I would leave willingly if West did not want me there. Turning, I stalked back toward West’s room.

“What will you do while I am in here?” I asked Dimitri, sensing him behind me with his silent movements.

“I will guard the door.”

“You do not have to stay. You know I can handle things.”

“I know. But I will always have your back, Adrik.”

Facing him, I clasped him on the shoulder. “And I appreciate it, friend.” I ran a hand over my face. Weariness tugged at me.

“You know the ogre is only looking out for his partner. He protects, like you. He does not trust us because of the Mikhaillova name.”

He spoke of Wreck. “I know this, and maybe I will come to like him, but right now is not the time.” Until then, I would tolerate him. I would do anything for West and to be able to stay at his side.

Chapter Twelve

West

Oxygen. I needed to breathe. I woke gasping for air but was unable to find it. I cried out as I tried to move, the pain radiating throughout my body.

“It’s okay, you’re all right. Just breathe with me. Come on, West. Look at me and breathe.” A hand ran over my head. I flinched back, the voice not registering.

“No,” I croaked and tried to move again. Pain slashed into me.

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