Page 72 of Bound By Betrayal

“Take the next exit.”

“We still have another five miles.”

“Kai, take the goddamn exit.”

He said nothing and maneuvered through cars until we were off the highway. I gave him directions, and after the longest fifteen minutes of my life, we finally reached my condo and parked in a private garage.

Hopping off the bike, I tossed the helmet, opened his jacket, and frantically searched for the wound. Just below his right ribcage was a growing stain of blood. “Kai…no, no, no.”

He lifted my chin, mouth tilted into a half smile. “Hey, I told you it was a flesh wound. I won’t lie to you. Hurts like a bitch, but it’s just—”

I suddenly threw myself in his arms, a wave of relief lifting off my shoulders, and kissed him hard. Kai returned the hug and tightened his hold on me.

“I think you like me a little bit,” he whispered, grazing my lips.

“I do,” I said, unable to suppress my smile.

“Good, because I fucking like you a lot.”

“And here I thought it was the amazing sex.”

He laughed into my neck. “That’s a bonus.”

“Come on,” I said, tugging him toward the elevator. He seemed to look around for the first time, and his eyes narrowed.

“The garage is empty.”

“I know. That’s because only one other person lives here: Dr. Aaron Ward, on the third floor. He’s on my payroll and has his expenses paid in exchange for his services.”

Kai’s face lit up with understanding. Ares had its doctors, lawyers, and judges—pretty much every profession that would allow its organization to continue in secrecy and remain above the law.

“I’m fine. I can patch myself up if you got a first aid kit.”

“I’ll be the judge of that.”

He pulled me to his chest and kissed my forehead. “That was close. Too close, too soon.”

“We kicked ass. That’s all that matters. Don’t get soft on me.”

I was pretty sure a flock of birds had taken up residence in my stomach. This feeling was foreign, and I had to admit that I liked it.

The elevator doors slid open to a short corridor where the second lift awaited us. I placed my hand on a black panel, and Kai watched with intrigue as it scanned and alerted green a beat later. When the second set of doors opened, we ascended three more floors.

“This is impressive,” he said when the last set of doors slid open directly into my condo’s main living space, which also doubled as a second studio.

“Another one?”

“Of course. But before any questions, let’s take care of you first.”

30

“Holdstill.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

It was hard to focus when this beautiful man stood in front of me, his solid, bare chest on display. I'd never tire of looking at his hard body and the art that covered it.

“You were right. It looks like it just grazed you, but it’s still pretty deep. Are you sure you don’t want stitches?”