Page 59 of Last One Standing
“I think it’s best you stay at our house, Lizzy.” Shep gently smiled at her. “I know you probably don’t want to be anywhere near any of us right now, but it’s not safe for you to be alone.”
Her eyes snapped up to Shep. “I’m not alone. Hazel is with me, and I can’t leave her at the apartment by herself.”
“I’ll text Phoenix to call his sister and have her go to the house. She can pack a few things for you both. Is that okay?” I wasn’t sure what I’d do if she refused.
“Please, Lizzy.” Four pressed a kiss to her temple.
“Fine.”
We had two cars between us. Four and Lizzy got into mine while JJ, Shep, Nick, and Gabe went in Shep’s. The drive home was quiet. I had no idea what was going on in Lizzy’s head. Four sat in the back with her, and I met his gaze in the rearview mirror. He was unreadable, but he had to be filled with rage. Lizzy had been put in danger, and she was his world.
I’d half expected to show up at the house to police presence, considering what went down today, but there wasn’t a cop car in sight. I pulled into the driveway, Shep right behind me.
“I’m going to bring Lizzy up to my room,” Four said.
“Okay. I’ll let her know as soon as Hazel arrives.” I wanted to apologize to Lizzy, but it wasn’t the time.
Inside, it was just as somber. Mason rushed to Gabe and was immediately wrapped in his arms. Matt had returned since we’d left and embraced Nick. JJ and Shep moved to the couch and practically collapsed on it. Kona and Pika sat on the other sofa. Kona’s eyes were haunted; that was the best way to describe them.
“You’re hurt.” Matt was already unwrapping Nick’s bandage. “Let’s get this and you cleaned up.” He pulled Nick up the stairs. There was no way anyone was talking tonight, so there was no argument when Gabe and Mason also went to their room.
“How about you?” Kona’s voice was small.
“What about me?”
He gestured to my whole body. “You need some help too.” It wasn’t a question.
“I have to wait here for Hazel to arrive. Pika can chill with me and Noel if he wants.” Phoenix spoke softly.
Pika nodded. “I’m cool with that.”
Kona stood and came over to me. “Where do you keep your first-aid kit?”
“I have one in like every room in the house.”
He smirked. “Your room then—that way you can shower.” He didn’t say anything about my blood-soaked clothes, but there was no missing them.
“Okay.”
Once we were in my bedroom, Kona shut the door and led me to my en suite. I began to take off my shirt, but he stopped me.
“I know you don’t see it, but you’re in a state of shock. Let me help you like you’ve been helping me.”
I stared into his caring eyes and acquiesced.
“Sit on the toilet seat.”
I did and watched as he turned on the shower, reached under the sink for a small garbage bag, and opened it. “There’s no salvaging your clothes.”
I lifted my shirt over my head and tossed it into the bag, my jeans, socks, even my briefs, which had blood on them, followed after. Once I was naked, Kona tied the bag and tossed it by the door.
To my surprise, Kona began divesting himself of his clothes as well.
“What are you doing?”
He froze. “I was going to join you, help you.”
I reached out and grabbed his hand. “You don’t need to do that.”
