Page 16 of Brick's Redemption

“It’s driving me fucking crazy.”

“You shouldn’t have kidnapped her then,” he deadpanned, looking far too amused.

“You’re an asshole,” I snarled, shoving my hands deep in my pockets. “There wasn’t any other choice.”

His grin faded. “Does she know Butcher is out of prison?”

“No.” And for now, she didn’t need that added stress.

“Fuck, Brick.”

I couldn’t blame the reason on Judge. He never said I had to keep that from her. It was my choice.

Before I could comment further, the front door opened. Ginny stepped out, cradling her hand against her chest.

“I think I might need stitches.”

“Shit,” I cursed, rushing up the stairs two at a time to reach her. “Let me see, baby.”

Ginny opened her hand, and I caught the slice across the tip of her finger. Blood dripped from the wound onto her white sweatshirt. She winced as I inspected the damage. “It hurts.”

“I bet. Come on. I need to clean it so I can see how deep it is.”

She followed me into the house and the first-floor bathroom, pausing in the doorway as I located the first aid kit. “Why do small cuts always sting like a bitch and bleed so much?”

It was rhetorical, but I answered anyway. “Wish I knew.” I patted the sink. “Hop up, beautiful.”

She walked in, stopping as her chin lifted and her eyes sought mine. “We need to talk.”

“I know, sweetheart. Right now, let’s focus on your cut.”

“Okay.”

I carefully picked up her hand, wiping the excess blood from her finger. The cut was long but not as deep as she feared. I didn’t think she’d need stitches. “It’s not bad.”

She snorted. “My stained sweatshirt disagrees.”

I cracked a smile. “As you said, these types of wounds always bleed a lot. It’ll heal in a few days.” I finished cleaning the areaand applied a bandage. “Keep this dry and stay outta trouble. Doc’s orders.”

“Trouble seems to find me,” she joked.

“I know it feels that way, Babygirl.” I kissed her finger, then put away the first aid kit, dumping the trash in the waste basket. “It’s not easy when you feel like there’s a target on your back.”

“You’re a target, too,” she reminded me.

“I am.” I moved between her legs, pulling her forward until her thighs rested on either side of my waist. “Takes a whole hell of a lot to scare me, and I can tell you, Ginny, that I’m not afraid.”

“For either of us?”

She had me there. “I’ll always feel the need to protect you. It’s an instinct for me, driven by my alpha tendencies.” I grasped her chin and held her in place. “That doesn’t mean I’m worried. You’re safe. I’m here. Nothing changes that.”

“Brick,” she began as my phone vibrated inside my cut.

“Give me a minute, baby. Gotta answer this.”

She sighed, not upset but definitely not happy about the interruption.

I slid across the screen, answering Judge’s call. “What you need, Pres?”

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