Page 64 of Pretty Lethal
And now I’ll have to add Wilder to the worry list.
However, seeing Wilder’s broad grin when Kai affirmed that he’d be an excellent addition to the team is worth whatever worry the job potentially brings, and I could have hugged Kai for offering Wilder that reassurance. I know he didn’t do it because he felt he had to. Kai isn’t exactly Wilder’s biggest fan, and he wouldneverrecommend him for the job if he didn’t think Wilder was capable of handling the pressures, but I know Kai’s acceptance will have meant a lot to Wilder.
All he’s ever wanted is somewhere where he’s accepted—quirks and faults and all. He wants a family who loves him in spite of it all. He’s already found that brothership with Hawk, and I would really love for both him and Kai to get along too.
“Here,” Kai says, offering me a cup of coffee as I rub sleep out of my eyes and push myself upright amongst the covers and pillows littering the floor of the cinema room. “You have five minutes before you have to get in the shower.”
I blink up at him blearily, taking a second to process his words. “Aren’t we having another movie day?”
“Nope. We’ve had two full days of licking our wounds and moping. Now it’s time to press forward.”
I pout. “But I was really enjoying the movie days.”
Crouching down beside me in the mess of blankets, he smirks. “That’s because we let you have a forty-eight-hour Ryan Reynolds marathon.”
“He’s so dreamy,” I sigh into my coffee.
“Is that so?” Kai teases with an arched brow.
I nod very seriously. “The whole package—the looks, the humor, and he’s an amazing husband and father. Blake Lively is one lucky woman.”
“You’re right. You don’t have any of that. Three ugly dudes, zero sense of humor, and absolutelynoneof us bring you coffee in bed.”
“I know! Maybe I should put an ad on Craigslist.Good looking, funny, boyfriends wanted.”
Careful not to jostle me so I spill my coffee, Kai threads his fingers through the hair at the back of my head, tilting my head back so I’m forced to look at him. “Why you cheeky little minx,” he growls in a low, seductive purr. “Continue on like that, and I might have to get Hawk down here to teach you some manners.”
My teeth sink into my lower lip as I clench my thighs, and my obvious reaction makes Kai growl. “Goddammit, woman. Drink your coffee and get in the shower before I bend you over and teach you a lesson myself.”
“I am in need of educating,” I agree in a sultry voice. His hand tightens in my hair, and he pauses, seriously contemplating taking me up on my less-than-subtle offer.
His nostrils flare and his lips pinch. “We don’t have enough time for what I want to do to you, baby girl.”
I push my lower lip out, but his words stick with me. “Why? What are we doing?”
He shakes his head. “Notwe.Youare spending the day with Hadley.”
“I am?” I ask with a furrowed brow. “I didn’t arrange anything with her.”
“No, Hawk did. You need a girls' day.”
I instantly perk up, and Kai mutters something about how he should probably be offended at how much more excited I am to spend the day with Hadley. All I can do is grin stupidly up at him.
Letting go of my hair, he brushes it down before stroking his thumb along my cheek. “Hiding away in this house isn’t good for you. You need to get back out there and show the world you’re not afraid.”
I chew on my lip, the lightheartedness from a moment ago blinking out like a light as fear of what is waiting for me beyond the safety of this house comes crashing down on me.
My hands shake and I have to clench my coffee cup tighter in order to stop it.
Swallowing roughly, I stare up at Kai and ask in a small voice, “But what if I am afraid?”
His returning smile is soft and reassuring, instantly putting some of my fears to bed. “Then that’s even more reason to get out there. Don’t let anyone steal your life from you, Emilia. You’re strong, and you have us to lean on when you’re struggling to walk on your own. The three of us will always be here, we’ll lend you our strength when you can’t find your own, and you should know by now that we’ll do anything to keep you safe. This society is just one more obstacle in our way, but I promise you we’re dealing with it.” He swallows, his lips pinched as pain flashes across his face. “I won’t let what they did to you happen again. None of us will.”
Lifting a hand, I cup his cheek. “I know you won’t. I don’t blame any of you. We couldn’t have known just how twisted these people were, but now we’re aware and can be prepared.”
Kai nods before getting to his feet, holding out a hand to help me up. “What will you three do while I’m with Hadley?” I ask as we head upstairs.
“Oh, we’ll think of something to amuse ourselves with,” he says with a small, mysterious smirk that raises more questions than answers.
