Page 14 of Jaded Red

“Nadia.” Kensi swallows and glances behind her. A man with thick dark hair and black cold eyes nods his head. His patch reads President. “You’re safe at the Royal Bastards Compound.”

“Why?”

“Because I asked Red to help me find you. I knew you didn’t leave on your own like Josiah tried to make me believe before he stabbed me and left me to bleed out at the dumpsters.” Kensi reaches for me and I let her pull me into her warm embrace.

“How… How did you find me?”

Kensi motions to Matt. A man I know very intimately. “Red found you.” Matt or Red, as Kensi calls him, looks at the ground,a shy smirk crosses his lips and his face flames red. “He’s the tech guy for Royal Bastards who can find anyone.”

“I...” I stammer at a loss for words. I look past Kensi and Matt and see a woman with long blond hair standing next to my brother.

His whiskey-colored eyes are focused on me. “Oh fuck.” My heart speeds up and my vision swims. Nolan steps towards me and fear grips my spine. My vision blurs and before I know it, everything turns black and I hit the ground.

Chapter Eight

Red

“Fuck!” I shout, catching Nadia before she hits the ground. Having her in my arms settles my heart and my world feels like it clicked into place. She belongs with me. I clutch Nadia’s limp body in my arms and head into the Clubhouse.

“Red, where are you going?” Kensi asks, worry etched in her voice.

“My room,” I grunt out, not waiting for someone to stop me.

Once I reach the door, I unlock it with one hand while holding Nadia tight with my other. Whispering soothing, sweet words I’ve never said to anyone before, I gently lay her on my bed. I step back and look at her. Her small body is swallowed by my big bed. She’s lost weight but hasn’t by the swell of her breasts under her shirt if that makes any sense. Nadia’s long dark lashes rest against her unnaturally pale skin. Her blond hair is dirty but I don’t give a shit, she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. My pulchra. She’s staying right here for as long as she wants to.

I’m sitting in a chair next to my bed watching Nadia for God knows how long, holding her small hand in mine, making sure she is breathing and safe when Kensi peeks her head in.Her multicolored eyes are sad and it sends a pang to my heart. “Derange is in the hallway. He needs to check over Nadia.” I nod my head.

Derange and Jezebelle enter my room. “Red, give us a few minutes please,” Jezebelle asks.

“I’m not leaving her,” I disagree. I rip my gaze from Nadia and settle it on Jezebelle standing in the doorway. Tears fill my eyes. “I’m not leaving her again.” The pain in my throat makes my voice harsh.

“Please, Red. Just for a few minutes.” Jezebelle pleads.

I shake my head and a tear falls. “I want to be here when she wakes up, Jez. Please don’t ask me to leave. I’ve already failed her once.” My voice breaks but I hold it together the best I can.

Nadia’s soft hand squeezes mine, drawing my attention back to her. “It’s ok, Matt.” Her soft voice sends a pain right to my beating heart. Nadia’s awake and she sits up, watching me. I squeeze her hand again and kneel on the floor.

“I’m so sorry, Pulchra. I failed you. Please forgive me.” My voice is thick with emotion.

Nadia gives me a small smile and returns the squeeze of my hand. “It’s not your fault. None of this is your fault. Let the big guy here do his thing and you wait outside of the room, please.”

“C’mon, Red.” Aftermath grabs me by the shoulders, lifting me off the ground. “Let D do his thing, brother.”

I give Nadia’s hand another squeeze, “I’ll be right outside, Pulchra.” I hold her hand for as long as I can until she’s out of reach. Hanging my head, Aftermath leads me out into the hallway. Jezebelle quietly closes the door with Kensi and Derange in the room.

“What if something’s wrong? Should she have passed out like that? Will she be ok?” I rapidly fire questions no one has the answers to, pacing the hallway. Back and forth. Back and forth. “What’s taking them so long?”

Aftermath barks out a laugh. “Red, it’s been like five minutes. These things take time. Let’s go grab a beer and a smoke. You’re stressing me out. I can’t imagine how Nadia feels knowing you’re out here pacing like a stuck hen.”

“I’m not leaving this hallway,” I reply harshly.

“Yes, you are, Red,” Capone demands from the end of the hallway. “Go take a chill and relax. They’ll get you when they’re done.” I push off the wall and stomp down the hallway like a scolded child. “I swear these grown men acting like children will be the death of me,” Capone grumbles when I pass him.

Out in the common room, someone has cranked up the music and everyone present is drinking and celebrating a job well done. Allura, Sloane, Calypso, Iris and a few other Royal Harlots are gathered around a table, taking shots and causing a scene. I smile at the sisterhood these women share. Calypso stands up with Sloane, whispers something to Allura, and she nods her head in return. The two women leave the Clubhouse and it’s not my job or place to question where they’re going.

Nolan, Krimson, Rush and Noah are sitting at the bar. Nolan is nursing a whiskey in his hand when his gaze locks on mine. Releasing a sigh, I head over to them, ready to rip the band-aid off. Krimson and Noah leave their barstools, giving Nolan and me some time to talk. Krimson trails her hand across Nolan’s shoulders and the love that passes between the two of them makes my heart skip a beat. I want what they have. Will I have that with Nadia someday?

“How is she?” Nolan asks.

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