Page 20 of Last One Standing (Saint Brothers #5)

CHAPTER TWENTY

ANGEL

“How’s he looking?” Nick asked as I was reviewing the MRI results.

“No internal bleeding, two cracked ribs. There are also healed injuries all over the place. While none of the findings require emergency medical treatment, he’s going to need time to heal.”

“JJ mentioned sexual assault.”

I turned and glanced at Nick. “I don’t want him talking about that where Kona can hear, Nick.”

“He didn’t, Angel.”

I huffed and moved toward the blood results. Not all were going to come in yet, but basic CBC had. “He’s dehydrated, his counts aren’t horrible, but his iron is borderline.”

“We’ll get him well.”

I nodded. “Mason have any news about the Kings?”

He sighed and plopped on the chair next to me. “They’ve been at the factory all day. Police showed up and fire department, seems like they wouldn’t let them leave. I imagine Brick might be able to get a few of them to leave soon, and then I have no doubt all hell will break loose.”

“ Mmhmm , I can’t wait.”

Nick tapped my arm and I looked at him. “I’m gonna ask you a personal question. I’m serious, and I need you not to bite my head off.”

I leaned against the counter and folded my arms across my chest. “Just ask.”

“Are you replacing Two with Kona?”

I doubted I hid my shock well. “Why is that the question you’re asking?”

“Look, you don’t share what’s going on in that head of yours often.

Maybe to Aziza, but we’re all worried about you.

When Two chose to leave and be with some long-lost fucking family, it broke you.

You think you did well hiding it from us, but we saw it…

still do, and I can’t help wondering if you’re putting Kona on the pedestal where Two once stood. ”

Although I knew Nick wasn’t trying to be an asshole, if he wasn’t my brother I’d throttle him. He was coming from a place of love…but still.

“Fuck you, Nick. I’m not some lovesick puppy pining for a connection.

Am I hurt that Two left? Yes. Do I understand it?

Not really, even though Aziza explained it, because yes, I think I could have been good for him.

But I can’t make someone be attracted to me, and I also can’t force anyone to stay. ”

“You loved him, though?”

I hated this conversation so much. “No. I don’t think I loved him. But I care about him. That doesn’t change just because he’s hundreds of miles away.”

Nick stood and I thought that would be the end of it, but of course it wasn’t. “Kona is messed up, not just in body but in mind. Just like Two.”

“I understand. I’m not doing this to get in Kona’s pants, and you should know me better than that.”

“That’s not at all what I was insinuating, Angel.

I just worry that you’re trying to rescue Kona in a way you don’t think you did for Two is all.

But you never failed Two—you saved him so he could make a choice about his life for the first time.

Just make sure, in your heart, that you’re prepared for Kona to make the decision that’s best for his. ”

I glared at Nick. “Kona isn’t a replacement.”

Nick turned to leave, but right before he reached the stairs.

he got one more thing out. “Maybe Two had to go so you could have a full heart to love someone else. Someone worthy of all you have to offer.” He didn’t wait for me to respond; he ascended the steps, and I stared at the spot where he’d stood a moment ago.

When I got the text from Pika that Kona was done with his bath, I raced up the stairs. Pika held open the towel while I lifted Kona as best I could without jostling him too much.

“Thanks.” He sat on the covered toilet. “Pika can help me get changed.”

“Right. Dinner’s likely almost done. I can bring it up for you if you’d like?”

“Is that okay? I don’t want anyone to think I’m avoiding them but…I kind of am at least until this swelling on my face is better.”

I could see the cold compress and anti-inflammatory had helped but not completely. “No one thinks that, and you’re free to stay up here for as long as you like. I’ll bring you another compress and more pills for after dinner.”

“You’re a good man, Angel.” Kona looked away and began patting his wet skin.

“I’ll let you get changed and get your food and the other things.”

I left the brothers to it and went to the kitchen, where Shep was plating dinner onto platters.

“They’ll eat upstairs. Kona isn’t feeling like company.”

“Sure thing.” Shep grabbed two plates and started fixing them for Pika and Kona.

“They’re leaving the factory.” Mason was sitting at the table, tablet in hand.

We all moved in behind him to watch. The drone was following the bikes, and it wouldn’t be long until they arrived at the clubhouse to see two dead members and no Kona or Pika.

They entered the property, shut off their bikes, and it was obvious they were agitated. They’d be a lot worse in a few seconds. We couldn’t see inside the clubhouse. Had we known we had more time, Noel would have placed something in there, but our priority had been Kona and Pika.

They were in the clubhouse for a good two minutes before Brick stormed out, and it was clear he was screaming. A couple of others followed and were saying something. Brick spun around and pointed at one guy and then yelled something to the other.

“I’m going to bring Pika and Kona their food. Let me know if they call the police. I doubt they will with the heat they might be getting over the factory.”

I couldn’t carry two trays, so Four helped carry one. He didn’t say anything or even look at them when he entered. Simply put the tray on the table and left.

“He’s quiet.” Kona smirked.

“That he is. His name is Four.”

“Four, like the number?” Pika asked.

“Yeah. Not really my story to tell, but in short, he probably understands what you’ve been through better than I do.”

Kona hummed. “Are you all a bunch of broken boys?”

I glanced at the bruised but beautiful man. “We’re not broken anymore.”

“Anymore…” He cocked his head. “Interesting.”

“Want to eat at the table?” Pika was setting up their dishes.

“I’d rather eat in bed; I’m sore.”

I watched as Pika brought everything over to his brother. “You have a couple of cracked ribs, no internal bleeding, you’re dehydrated, and your iron is a little low. I’ll get you vitamins to start taking and you’ll need to drink a lot of water, or I can get an IV in you.”

Kona smiled, which I was sure hurt with his face all banged up. “I like water just fine.”

“Good.” I gestured to the four bottles on the tray. “You should drink those before bed.”

“I’ll be using the bathroom every ten minutes.”

I shrugged. “I could stay, help if you needed it if you hurt to get out of bed.”

Kona stabbed a roasted potato. “I believe you would, but I can get to the bathroom on my own.”

We were all silent for a beat too long. “Right, well, I’m going to go eat. I’ll check in on you before bed.”

“Thank you, Angel.”

“Of course.”

I wanted to run out of that room and stay at the same time. Shit. Was Nick right? Was I replacing one shattered guy with another? Kona and Two were completely different people. I wasn’t sure what my heart and mind were up to, but I suspected it was a setup.