Page 64 of Brick's Retribution

"Where is it?" Amara asks.

"Encrypted files on a secure server. I can access it remotely, but I'll need a clean computer and secure internet connection. Mine… well, it’s in the bag but there might be a bullet caught in it, so I think it’s a goner."

"Ruby can set that up," Amara says, nodding to her. "But first, she's going to look at those bullet wounds before you bleed all over my furniture."

I start to object, but the look on both women's faces tells me bitching about this won’t make a difference. "Fine. But make it quick."

"Take your time," Amara says with a slight smile. "I want to catch up with Imani anyway. It's been too long since we've talked."

As Ruby leads me to the adjoining medical room, I catch Imani's eye.

"Strip," Ruby orders the moment we're in the medical room. "Let's see what we're working with."

I peel off my shirt, wincing as the fabric pulls at the reopened wound on my ribs.

Ruby whistles low when she sees the damage.

"Jesus, Brick. What happened to those stitches?"

"Gunfire happened," I reply. "Imani patched me up as best she could under the circumstances."

"She did a good job," Ruby admits, examining the wound. "Clean sutures, but you've torn several of them open again."

"So," Ruby says as she cleans the wound, "you going to tell me what's really going on here?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean the way you look at her, the way she looks at you. I’ve been in the club life for a long time, prospect. I know something’s going on with you and Miss Cartel Princess."

I'm quiet for a moment, trying to figure out how to explain something I don't understand myself. "It's complicated."

"It always is," Ruby replies with a smile. "But complicated doesn't mean wrong. Just means you better be sure about what you're getting into."

"I'm sure," I say, and realize I mean it. Whatever this thing is between Imani and me, I'm all in.

"Good," Ruby says, applying fresh bandages. "Because that woman in there? She's not going anywhere anytime soon. And neither are you, if you're smart."

She's right.

CHAPTER NINE

Imani

Silence stretches between us, and I feel like things are awkward.

They shouldn’t be, I’ve known Amara for so long, but it’s been years since we’ve seen each other.

"So," Amara says, settling back into her chair with that knowing look I remember from our teenage years. "Want to tell me what's really going on between you and my prospect?"

Heat floods my cheeks, and I hate that she can still read me so easily. "It's complicated."

"It always is with you." She leans forward, her expression serious now. "But I've never seen you look at a man the way you look at him. And I've definitely never seen Brick look at anyone the way he looks at you."

I fidget with the strap of my bag, avoiding her penetrating stare.

How do I explain that in the space of a few days, this man has turned my entire world upside down?

That this has become something that terrifies and thrills me at the same time?

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