Page 33 of Last One Standing
“Uh, yeah we can eat. I don’t know all your names, but I’m sure I’ll figure it out. I was wondering if it was okay if Kona could shower. I’d help him.”
“How about this?” I approached Pika. “We bring food upstairs for you and your brother; that way Kona can stay put. Then, I’d like to bring him downstairs to get some scans and his blood drawn.” I held up my hand when Pika went to interrupt. “I’m not a doctor, but I have some medical training. If there’s anything serious on the scans and blood, we have someone coming by in the morning who can connect us with discreet doctors to treat Kona while he’s here. After the tests, Kona can get washed up, and even though your intentions are good, I’m not sure your body can support his.”
“I’m strong!”
“I’m not saying you’re not, but Kona can’t risk a slip or fall. If God forbid, you tumble and he goes with you, you’ll feel horrible and he could further injure himself.”
Pika’s upset dissipated as he let what I was saying sink in. “Yeah…well, I don’t know how comfortable he’ll feel with anyone seeing him naked.”
“I have loose swim shorts. He can use them,” Phoenix offered. “You can help him get them on before anyone steps in to help.”
Pika nodded. “Okay, thank you.”
“Want to help me carry up the food?” JJ beckoned Pika over. “You carry one tray, and I’ll carry the other.”
“I’ll follow you both since you’ll need someone to open the door.” They could probably manage the door, and I didn’t dare look at any of my brothers, knowing they would be gaping at me as if I were an idiot.
Once upstairs, I slipped in front of Pika and JJ to open the door. My gaze went immediately to Kona, who was sitting up on the bed, his head back against the headboard, and his eyes closed.
I moved to the side for Pika and JJ, watching as Kona opened his eyes and smiled softly at his brother.
“So that’s where you went.”
“Hi, Kona, I’m JJ. We figured you were both hungry, and it would be easier for you to eat up here.”
“Hi, JJ.” He then flicked his eyes toward me. “Hi, Angel.”
“Hey.” I almost rolled my eyes at my dumb response.
“When you’re done, Angel wants to run some tests on you.” Pika rested his tray beside JJ’s on the small table in the room.
“Tests?” Kona’s brow furrowed. “What kind? Why?”
“We need to see if any serious internal damage was done to you. I have machines and a blood-draw station in the basement. No, I’m not a doctor, but I have some training. If anything is glaring, there’s a friend arriving tomorrow morning that will better be able to assist you on your recovery.”
Kona pursed his lips. “Just tests, no exam?”
I held back my reaction to the question. Why would an exam be bad? “I mean, I’d like to do a quick exam for any open wounds that may need to be treated.”
I saw JJ look over at me out of the corner of my eye but didn’t remove my attention from Kona.
“I’ll let you examine me to a certain extent. If I say no, you respect that.” Kona jutted his chin out in defiance.
I could think of a few reasons why he would have stipulations, but I didn’t want to dwell on them right now. “Agreed.”
I nodded curtly. “Enjoy your food. Once you’re done, we can get you downstairs and then a nice shower or soak.” JJ smiled and all but pushed me out of the room.
When we were by the stairs, JJ leaned closer to me. “Do you think the reason Kona doesn’t want a thorough exam is because Brick…” He swallowed loudly. “Do you think he sexually assaulted Kona?”
I clenched my jaw. I didn’t have to voice my thoughts on that; I knew he could see it in my glare.
“We need to destroy that man.” JJ stormed away and as I joined him, I thought the exact same thing.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
KONA
Angel was so verygentle with me. He’d offered to carry me down the stairs, but I declined. I could walk—not well, but I wasn’t that helpless. I’d slept and eaten and was already feeling stronger because of that.
