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“Joe’s strong. He’ll pull through.”
“I hope you’re right.” My shoulders quake, tears soaking through the front of my father’s shirt. “I’m going to the hospital. Max is on his way over now.”
“I’ll come by later. I have to get to the site for a couple of hours first.” Dad rubs the back of his head, averting his gaze. “Listen, don’t mention to Nico that I was home this morning, okay? There’s a delay with one of the contractors that I had to deal with, and it’s going to cause all kinds of issues unless I get it handled as soon as possible. I don’t want him worrying about it, today of all days. He’s got enough on his plate right now.”
“Okay.” I manage a small smile. “I know you’ll get it taken care of, Daddy.”
“I will.” His expression darkens. “I always take care of everything, Shaye. No matter what it takes.”
His tone changes from one of concern to something much more foreboding and my mouth opens to ask why, the question on the tip of my tongue when the front door swings open. Max stomps in wearing a black leather jacket, black t-shirt and black jeans. He looks a little more thuggish than usual. His eyes are narrowed, dark hair sticking up in all directions like he’s been tugging at it the entire way over here, plotting the demise of our enemies.
At times like this, I adore my older brother even more than normal.
“You ready, sis?” He cracks his knuckles and flexes his fingers, a menacing smirk on his face. “I got a feeling that there’s a lot of fucking ass to be kicked today, and I don’t wanna waste any time.”