Page 108 of Ravaged Soul
“Apparently, he’s dead now.” I watch Warner carefully weighing how much to reveal. “So is Carlos Morello and all of Gael’s men.”
“All of them?” His red eyes widen.
“It’s a long story.”
“Bloody hell. Who was hurt?”
“You don’t need to worry about any of this right now.” Warner releases me to stand and lightly clasp Tom’s shoulder. “The case is under control.”
“Gael won’t ever stop.” Tom winces against his white pillows. “Not until he has Ember back under his thumb. If Carlos is dead… then someone else will take his place.”
“We know.” Warner nods. “Gael has already made contact to continue taunting us. We’re putting pressure on the feds to locate his estate while we chase new leads.”
“What new leads?”
“No.” I hold up a hand. “Warner’s right, that’s enough. You need to focus on healing, Tom. Not me and not the case.”
“Em—”
“No! Enough! I won’t lose you too.”
Making eye contact with Warner, I jerk my head towards the door, indicating for him to go get Jamie. He nods then quickly slips out, giving us a moment of privacy.
“I need to get out of here.” Tom tugs on the wire taped inside his elbow. “With Carlos dead, he’s going to come at us hard. Gael’s obsessed. He’s fanatical. He won’t rest until?—”
“Stop right there.”
“You don’t understand! You’re in danger!”
I carefully pin his arm to the bed, easing his fingers from the IV line. “You’re going to lay here, let the doctors take care of you and heal. That’s it.”
“London isn’t safe. I need to protect you!”
“I have the entire weight of Sabre Security behind me,” I reason calmly. “While I may be a bit of a mess right now, I’m okay. You’re safe. Carlos is dead. We’re making progress.”
“It’s my job to protect you,” he wheezes through agonised gasps. “Look at you, Em! You’re covered in bruises. You’ve lost weight, and I… I have to…”
“Stop worrying about me. I need you to get better. Warner and the rest of the team have got me. Trust them, okay?”
The fight seems to drain out of him as his meagre energy depletes. Tom slumps, his near-translucent skin seeming even paler. I fuss over him, straightening wires and bedsheets, until Warner’s lopsided steps return.
“Look who’s here,” he chirps.
Staring off behind me, Tom’s eyes fill with tears again. “Oh, Jamie.”
“Tom! You’re awake!”
I move aside to let the couple reunite, sharing a happy smile with my brother’s boyfriend. He’s still drop-dead gorgeous, elegantly dressed in his pressed polo shirt and glittering watch that’s undoubtedly worth a small fortune. That much hasn’t changed.
Jamie’s at the bed in a flash, pulling Tom into a tentative hug to avoid his injuries. Both of them crying, I take my cue to give them a moment, catching Warner’s hand and leaving the hospital room.
Axel jerks upright where he’s leaning against the wall in the corridor. He watches me collapse into Warner’s arms, unable to hold it together for a moment longer. I nestle my chin on his shoulder and stare into Axel’s whiskey-orange orbs.
“Okay?” he mouths.
All I can give is a wordless, watery smile.
“Yep. Stupid question, right?”
