Page 36 of Last One Standing
I didn’t say anything and Angel delivered the compress and pills, then left us to say he was going to check the scans and whatever results were coming in. He had all the machines to read the blood and other things down there, and I waved him away, letting him know Pika would text when I was ready to get out.
I rested my head against the bath pillow, with the compress on my eyes, and I relaxed and let the water soothe my aching bones.
CHAPTER TWENTY
ANGEL
“How’s he looking?”Nick asked as I was reviewing the MRI results.
“No internal bleeding, two cracked ribs. There are also healed injuries all over the place. While none of the findings require emergency medical treatment, he’s going to need time to heal.”
“JJ mentioned sexual assault.”
I turned and glanced at Nick. “I don’t want him talking about that where Kona can hear, Nick.”
“He didn’t, Angel.”
I huffed and moved toward the blood results. Not all were going to come in yet, but basic CBC had. “He’s dehydrated, his counts aren’t horrible, but his iron is borderline.”
“We’ll get him well.”
I nodded. “Mason have any news about the Kings?”
He sighed and plopped on the chair next to me. “They’ve been at the factory all day. Police showed up and fire department, seems like they wouldn’t let them leave. I imagine Brick might be able to get a few of them to leave soon, and then I have no doubt all hell will break loose.”
“Mmhmm, I can’t wait.”
Nick tapped my arm and I looked at him. “I’m gonna ask you a personal question. I’m serious, and I need you not to bite my head off.”
I leaned against the counter and folded my arms across my chest. “Just ask.”
“Are you replacing Two with Kona?”
I doubted I hid my shock well. “Why is that the question you’re asking?”
“Look, you don’t share what’s going on in that head of yours often. Maybe to Aziza, but we’re all worried about you. When Two chose to leave and be with some long-lost fucking family, it broke you. You think you did well hiding it from us, but we saw it…still do, and I can’t help wondering if you’re putting Kona on the pedestal where Two once stood.”
Although I knew Nick wasn’t trying to be an asshole, if he wasn’t my brother I’d throttle him. He was coming from a place of love…but still.
“Fuck you, Nick. I’m not some lovesick puppy pining for a connection. Am I hurt that Two left? Yes. Do I understand it? Not really, even though Aziza explained it, because yes, I think I could have been good for him. But I can’t make someone be attracted to me, and I also can’t force anyone to stay.”
“You loved him, though?”
I hated this conversation so much. “No. I don’t think I loved him. But I care about him. That doesn’t change just because he’s hundreds of miles away.”
Nick stood and I thought that would be the end of it, but of course it wasn’t. “Kona is messed up, not just in body but in mind. Just like Two.”
“I understand. I’m not doing this to get in Kona’s pants, and you should know me better than that.”
“That’s not at all what I was insinuating, Angel. I just worry that you’re trying to rescue Kona in a way you don’t think youdid for Two is all. But you never failed Two—you saved him so he could make a choice about his life for the first time. Just make sure, in your heart, that you’re prepared for Kona to make the decision that’s best for his.”
I glared at Nick. “Kona isn’t a replacement.”
Nick turned to leave, but right before he reached the stairs. he got one more thing out. “Maybe Two had to go so you could have a full heart to love someone else. Someone worthy of all you have to offer.” He didn’t wait for me to respond; he ascended the steps, and I stared at the spot where he’d stood a moment ago.
When I got the text from Pika that Kona was done with his bath, I raced up the stairs. Pika held open the towel while I lifted Kona as best I could without jostling him too much.
“Thanks.” He sat on the covered toilet. “Pika can help me get changed.”
