Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 64640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64640 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 323(@200wpm)___ 259(@250wpm)___ 215(@300wpm)
Passing him his payment, he looks past me to her.
“You like her. It’s good for you,” he states.
“I don’t come here for advice,” I tell him, giving him extra money for his trouble.
“I know, you never needed it. But in case you do, I’m here.” He nods and steps back. I shake my head as I walk back to the car. Peering in the back, Alaska’s head is leaning against the window on the opposite side of the car.
“Your place or mine? And word to the wise, whichever location you choose, I’m not leaving you tonight. Doctor’s orders.”
Her eyes narrow at me before she speaks. “Yours.”
TWENTY-TWO
Alaska
“Who was that?” I finally ask. I’ve been quiet for most of the car ride here. Contemplating how I can get out of this situation.
“He’s a doctor.”
“Why didn’t you take me to the hospital?”
“Do you want to report the stabbing? Because they would have made you.” I absorb his words. “Or would you rather I deal with it?”
“You deal with it?” I ask, confused.
“Yes, I can deal with it.”
“How?”
He pulls up to his house. “Any which way you please.”
“What if I asked you to leave it alone?”
He gets out of the car, comes around to my side, then opens the car door and stares down at me. “You don’t want her to suffer after what she’s done to you?”
“Do you?” I take his offered hand and wince when I stand, my hand instantly going to my stomach.
“Yes, very much so.” His jaw is set, and his brows are furrowed.
“It’s not you who was stabbed.”
“I’ve been stabbed before,” he says.
“What did you do to that person?”
“Well, the first time, I gave him a black eye…” He smirks. “It was Kyson.” My brows shoot up at that bit of information. “The second… I killed.” He shrugs like it’s nothing. “He obviously was not my brother and did not get a pass.”
I pause in the doorway.
“I’m not sleeping with you,” I declare.
“I’ll take the couch.” He nods to the house for me to enter. When we’re both safely inside he locks the door. I like his house, even though it’s so minimalist. I know he spends a lot of time here. It smells like him, and despite my wanting to hate that as well, it somehow comforts me.
“I’m only staying tonight,” I warn.
“No, you will stay a minimum of two nights. I need to change the dressing.” I clench my jaw, but he ignores it and opens the door to his bedroom. “The sheets are fresh, and I’ll get you something to sleep in.” He opens a drawer and pulls out a black shirt, then passes it to me. “I can go and buy you fresh underwear if you prefer.”
“I’ll wear yours.” He nods again, a smile teasing his lips as if he’s happy with that answer and comes back holding a black pair of briefs. “You can leave now. I need to change.” I nod to the door.
“And how do you expect to lift that tight shirt over your head?” he asks, eyeing the piece of clothing in question.
I turn around and give him my back. “Cut it off of me,” I order. “It’s not like I plan to wear it ever again.”
His phone starts ringing loudly, and he takes it out of his pocket and places it on speaker before throwing it on his bed. “What?”
“Is she okay?” I hear the voice and know who it is straight away.
“Hey, Louise,” I answer.
“Oh God, I feel so stupid. I was talking to you, and you were stabbed, and it didn’t even register, Alaska. Shit, are you okay?”
“How did you get this number?” I ask, but she doesn’t answer, Zuko does.
“I gave it to her so she can check on you.” Something inside of me swells at the thought. I’ve never really had anyone care for me before. No one to look after me the way Zuko is. My appendix burst once, and they asked me who to put as my next of kin. I had no one. Now, I have two people. Both are forced, I think—one I plan to set his house on fire, and the other gives unwanted cuddles.
“Do you need anything? I can see you tomorrow,” she offers.
“I need everything, and he won’t let me go home,” I complain as I hear a ripping sound. Zuko tears my shirt in half up my back and then moves around to face me as he removes the remnants of my shirt until I’m left standing in front of him in my bra.
“Okay, well, I’ll call back in the morning to see what you want me to get for you. Get some rest. And I’m glad you are doing okay.” She doesn’t hang up after she speaks. I wait and glance at the phone, and after a few silent moments, she finally mumbles, “Who did it?”