Page 131 of Broken

I’m still confused about what is happening. The back of my head hurts, I raise my hand to touch it and wince, feeling wetness.

I’m only vaguely aware of Phoenix taking hold of me as Garrett moves into the room, roaring his anger. He shoves at the President, and the knife clatters because he isn’t expecting it. Then he takes his place and grabs the guy, punching him in the gut over and over.

I turn away, not wanting to watch.

Phoenix’s concerned face leans in close. He notices the blood on my hand. “Shit. Garrett,” he yells and wraps his arm around my shoulder, leading me away toward the bedrooms.

Next thing I know I’m being passed over again, and Garrett is back. My body wants to fight against all of them. The pulse of my heart is loud and too fast.

“Calli? Fuck,” Garrett checks the back of my head. “I’m gonna kill him.”

“No,” the commanding voice comes from behind us. Garrett keeps me shielded against his chest. As mad and scared as I am about this whole thing, having him here, protecting me helps.

“Take care of your woman, Ghost. We’ll handle this.”

He’s torn, I can feel it in the tenseness of his body. He wants to go with them. My body deflates, I try to shove away but his attention comes back to me. I don’t know what else is said or what looks pass between the men but Garrett stays. The rest of them leave. All except Phoenix who is standing beside us, glaring after all the men.

Garrett’s hands cup my face on either side, ducking his head to look at me. He curses under his breath at whatever he sees.

“You’re okay, Calli. I promise. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“He broke into my apartment,” I whisper.

“I know,” he hugs me to him again. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here.”

Enough of this. “What’s going on, Garrett?” I push back, my hands pressed to his chest. My lip quivers and my nose burns, but I refuse to cry.

He stares into my eyes, seeing the emotion. His thumbs caress my cheeks. Despite this gentleness, he’s a part of what is happening here. I don’t want to admit that I appreciate his touch, welcome the security of his arms.

“I’m here,” he breathes.

Then he leans in and kisses my forehead, holding his lips there for a moment, his arms tightening.

My eyes squeeze shut as I take it. All I’ve wanted for the last few weeks is some sign that Garrett cares the way I do. The tenderness in that kiss almost breaks me.

Phoenix is watching us, his eyes full of concern, but the anger is coursing through him too.

The last few times I’ve met him, I haven’t been sure what to make of Phoenix. He’s never been rude and if we’re in agroup together he interacts. There is something different in his expression now. An understanding.

His eyes flick from Garrett to me. A silent conversation is happening between them. And it’s about me. I’m starting to feel woozy.

“She hit her head,” Phoenix says.

“What?” Garrett snaps, he leans back and takes my chin, turning my head. “Fuck. Phoenix,” he says without taking his eyes off me. “Make sure they’re out of here. Tell Nero not to do anything.”

“He’s not gonna listen,” Phoenix replies.

“Tell him he owes me.”

Phoenix shakes his head. He gives me a look, his eyes are soft this time, and he nods at me then leaves, closing the front door behind him. Garrett leads me to the dining table and sits me down, facing away from the mess of my living room.

While I cling to the table, he moves behind me and inspects the back of my head, cursing some more.

“I’m going to get you cleaned up. Are you dizzy?”

I nod but that sends a wave of nausea through me. Garrett steadies me again and once he’s assured I’m okay, he grabs what he needs and comes back to take care of the cut, telling me it’s not bad just bleeding a bit.

That makes me feel sick, but I swallow it down and sit still as he finishes up. My mind is spinning, both from the pain and from what’s happening. So many questions. The adrenaline is wearing off and my body is crashing.

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