Page 80 of Edge of Desperation

“I heard Lace tell Aurora that Italian’s her favorite,” Thomas interjects.

“Italian it is.” The general rubs his hands together. “Any suggestions?”

I leave them arguing about which Italian restaurant has the best garlic bread and pasta and head to the backyard.

I hope Benson’s team can uncover the mystery of the Krukov family.

CHAPTER 30

AURORA

“You’re being discharged today,”Dr. Sheppard announces.

The last five days have been rough on Lace, but she’s been a trooper. Lykos has been a huge help, and I make a mental note to get him a T-bone steak for everything he’s done the last couple of months. The guys have been patient with Lace, just as they were with me.

Thomas has made it his personal mission to become her personal bodyguard. He hovers from a distance so as not to overwhelm her, and I see her relax when he’s around. We’re alone for now, waiting for the guys to descend on us at any given moment. They were summoned this morning to talk to my dad about Dmitri’s cryptic message about the Bratva.

“Seriously?” Lace asks nervously.

“It’ll be great,” I say excitedly. “You’re going home with me and Lykos.”

Her face lights up, and I know I have her convinced. “When do I bust out?”

Dr. Sheppard laughs. “I’ll start the paperwork now. I’d say you’ll be good to go in the next hour or so.”

“I’ll text my dad and let him know, so he can pick us up.” I grab my cell out of my purse.

Normally, I would’ve driven myself, but I slept over at Jaxson’s. He dropped me off on the way to my dad’s because we were up all night ‘gaming’ with the guys. Yes, I’m a grown-ass adult, but we haven’t exactly had a chance to tell my dad that we're dating… or whatever it is we are.

Me: Lace’s getting released in about an hour.

I know it’ll be a while before Dad responds since he’s in a debriefing with his team. I’m about to text Jaxson to let him know what’s going on but decide not to disturb him. I know my dad will announce it once he checks his phone. He knows how close the guys are to Lace, and they’ll want to stick around to welcome her home.

I brought some clothes with me that I bought for Lace. Since she has a cast and is still weak, I help her into the bathroom and assist her with showering. When April arrives with the discharge papers and wheelchair, I'm braiding Lace’s hair.

“Your chariot has arrived,” April announces dramatically.

Lace giggles and slides into the chair. “Do I really have to use a wheelchair?”

“Hospital policy,” April says. “Once we hit the exit, you can stand.”

“Deal,” Lace says.

My cell pings, and I dig around my purse for it while April gathers the stuffed animals the guys have bought Lace and puts them in a plastic bag for us.

Vera: Your dad is still in his meeting. They asked me to get you

Me: Lace is being discharged now

Vera: I’m on my way. Be there in five.

Me: Okay. Thanks

As we get in the elevator, I tell Lace, “Dad got held up. My stepmom is picking us up.”

“Great,” she says excitedly. “I can’t wait to see Lykos.”

“He’ll be happy to see you, too.”

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