Page 49 of Sin

Running my hand through my hair, I tell him, “She doesn’t have any family. I am all she has.”

He nods like he understands how dark this world is, and he probably does. Working for Bones has probably meant he’s seen some things most people never do.

“Can I see her?”

Standing in front of me, he folds his hands in front of him, his bushy white eyebrows are the most noticeable feature over his masked face.

“She’s in recovery. The nurse will get you once she’s able to have visitors. One person at a time. She will be kept on mild sedatives so she’ll likely be in and out of consciousness for the next few days. Let the nurse know if you intend to stay and she’ll make accommodations for you.”

I reach out my hand and he shakes mine. “Thank you, doctor.”

He leaves, and Zade squeezes my shoulder. “Good news, man. Very good news.”

Waiting to see her now is becoming physically painful. It feels like there’s a weight in my chest making it so I can’t breathe. This was the best news I could’ve hoped for, but I need to see her, touch her, just be with her. The next few days are going to be difficult while I wait to find out if I’m bringing her home or burying her. Two very different outcomes, one of which will destroy me. Losing Kierra is something I wouldn’t ever get over. There’s some pain that’s simply too much to get through. It’s exactly what happened to my mother. I always thought I was more like my stone cold father, but now I’m not so sure.

Amira comes back with a tray of coffees in her hands and hands one to Zade and then one to me.

“Thank you.”

While Zade tells her what the doctor said about Kierra, I sip the hot beverage. I smile when she breathes a sigh of relief and seems so excited to see her friend again. I’m glad Kierra has formed this unlikely bond with her because I know she had to leave her friends behind when she went on the run. She has lived in isolation for so long and my girl deserves everything. If she lives, I’m going to give it to her. Whatever she wants, she gets.

Amira sits on Zade’s lap and I smirk.Step-daughter.He glares at me. “Shut up, asshole.”

I laugh for the first time since I found Kierra. “I didn’t say a word.”

Zade holds her tighter with one hand and his coffee in the other. “You didn’t have to.”

“No judgment here, man. If you’re happy, that’s all that matters.”

“I am,” he says and I don’t respond because the nurse is walking toward me and it’s finally time.

CHAPTER 34

SIN

Iwalk into the room and stand, shocked at her appearance, although I shouldn’t be. She has bandages as far as the eye can see from all the knife wounds. The most frightening thing is how pale her skin is. Yet, even like this, she’s absolutely stunning.

After I set my coffee on the table beside her bed, I lean over her and kiss her on the forehead. “I missed you, baby.”

I take a seat beside her bed and stroke the back of her left hand. Her right one is bandaged up, but this one seems uninjured. I’m desperate for her to wake up and look at me, but I know sleep is the best thing for her right now.

My phone vibrates in my pocket so I pull it out to see the name Bones flash across my screen, so I answer it quickly but quietly so I don’t disturb Kierra, although with her being sedated I’m not even sure if it’s possible.

“She’s been stalking your girl, man. Told them where to find her. Gave them her keycard you trusted her with and told them what time you’d be leaving.”

This is my fault, really. I should’ve seen it coming‌. Belinda was jealous. I knew that and did nothing to prevent this. I trusted her blindly. And now Kierra is paying for my mistake,likely with her life. She trusted me to protect her. I promised I would. I'm not worthy of her calling me Daddy. She is way too good for me. I don't deserve her.

I lean back in the uncomfortable chair while I run a hand through my hair, never taking my eyes from Kierra. “How do you know?”

It’s not that I doubt Bones is telling me the truth. I know he is, but I want to know how he knows.

“She told me.”

I arch an eyebrow as if he can see me. “She told you? Why? Why would she admit to that?”

He chuckles and I hear whimpering in the background, “You’d be amazed what a few broken bones can accomplish.”

I shake my head. “You’re crazy. You know that, right?”

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