Page 88 of Russian Roulette

“In the hospital parking garage,” Seven says. “We’ll come back to pick it up later because none of us are leaving Jade’s side right now. Not until we’re sure she’s okay.”

Kit nods in understanding. “No hurry getting it back. There are other vehicles in my garage.”

“You can borrow my car if you need to,” I offer. “If you can fit inside, which is doubtful.”

“About that piece of junk you call a car,” Vulcan says. “If you’re going to be driving around Vegas, you need a more dependable car. Your old clunker is in bad shape. We can’t allow you to drive a car on the verge of breaking down. If that were to happen, you would be at the mercy of anyone who came along. It’s not safe. We’ll get you another car to drive.”

My heartbeat picks up. Did I hear him right? “Wait, hold on,” I say. “Does that mean I’m not a prisoner anymore?”

Kit glances back and forth between Seven and Vulcan. “Did I miss something? What’s going on?”

“After everything that’s happened the last couple of days, Vulcan and I decided its time to let Jade go,” Seven says. “We can’t keep her prisoner any longer. Especially with all the recent events that have transpired.”

Kit tightens his arms around me as if he doesn’t want to let me go. “She’s hurt and in pain,” Kit says. “She’s in too much danger for her to be running around on her own.”

Seven frowns at him. “We’re not banishing her or turning her out onto the streets.” He leans over and takes my hand in his. “Jade, we don’t want you to go. Please don’t run again. All our homes are open to you for as long as you want. Kit’s right. You’re hurt, in pain, and in danger. Stay with us and let us protect you the best we can. You’re safer with us than anywhere else.”

I’m shocked and confused. For days, all I’ve wanted is to be free. Now they’re giving me my freedom and the thought of leaving makes me ill.

“Is there a catch?” I ask. “Are you trying to trick me?”

I’m confused. They’re telling me I’m free to leave and I don’t have any idea what my next step should be. The idea of leaving town and these three men behind leaves me feeling unbelievably empty inside.

“There’s no catch,” Vulcan replies. “We realized the only way you’ll ever stay with us is if the choice is all yours. We can’t force you, even if it means that’s the only way we can keep you safe. It’s all up to you now.”

“I’m not sure what to say. Do I need to tell you my decision right this minute? I’m in no shape to run right now.” I point at my blood-soaked leg. “No pun intended.”

“Take all the time you need,” Kit says. “We’re not going anywhere.”

43

JADE

“You don’t need to carry me in,” I tell Kit when we reach his house. “I can make it on my own. I feel silly being carried around all the time. It’s embarrassing and makes me appear weak and helpless.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” he replies. He slides to the end of the long leather seat with me on his lap, then carefully steps out of the limo with me in his arms. He’s carried me around so much today that now he’s doing it effortlessly, almost as if it’s second nature to him.

Seven has already used his key to open Kit’s front door and we follow him into the house. Kit carefully places me on the sofa and fluffs the pillows behind my back.

“Are you sure you want me to clean and bandage your wound?” Kit asks. “I can call around to ask if there are any mobile doctors that could do a house call.”

“Are they personal friends?” I ask. “Someone who can keep their mouth shut?”

He shakes his head. “Not a one. Only vets and vet techs. You’re stuck with me unless we discover your injury is way above my skill set. Rest here a minute while I go get my first aid kit. When I come back, you’ll need to step out of those jeans. It might be easier to cut you out of them. Whatever you think will hurt the least.”

I nod at him, not intimidated at all by the thought of stripping to my panties in front of them. They’ve all already seen my naked body and Leroy has gone to pickup my stuff from Seven’s penthouse.

“Where are your scissors?” Vulcan asks Kit, while kneeling on the floor beside me. “Her jeans are too tight.” He winks up at me. “Not that I’m complaining. I’ll cut the pants leg off on the side with her wound, then we’ll help her slide them down the other side.”

“Scissors are in the kitchen side drawer,” Kit replies. “I’ll be right back with the first aid supplies. Start working on taking the pants off.”

“I’ll get the scissors,” Seven says, hurrying toward the kitchen. He’s been unusually quiet and his eyes are full of anguish every time I look at him. He’s overcome with guilt over accidentally hurting me.

Vulcan wriggles his eyebrows at me suggestively. “Feel up to putting on a strip show for us, Jade?” He’s teasing me to hide how worried he is, but his expression when he thinks I’m not noticing gives him away.

I roll my eyes at him. “The only thing I’m ready for is a long nap. I’m exhausted. I need a shower too from hiking in the scorching desert, but I guess that’s out of the question.”

“How about a sponge bath?” he offers. “I’ll volunteer my services to help.”