Page 99 of The Betrayal You Serve

"You want to talk about daddies, Scarlett? Then let's talk about yours." Devin takes a menacing step forward, looking at me through his lashes as if he's planning the most painful way to shut me up.

"That's enough," a deep voice booms, startling me. "You two can argue all you like, but it's not going to make any of this any better. Kane is done, he's out. He's made a deal with the devil that the devil can only agree to. He's alive and will be fine in a few days. Letty's right, Dev. It's time for him to look to his future beyond the Hawks. Being with us was never his destiny and you fucking well know it."

Devin's lips part to respond but he never says a word.

"Go and make us a fucking coffee," Reid spits. "Letty's is white with one sugar, in case you didn't know that."

It's my turn to look like a freaking goldfish. How does he know how I take my coffee?

Devin disappears and Kane groans, shifting on the bed slightly and all my previous thoughts are forgotten.

"Ignore him, he's just pissed Kane found a decent girl before him," Reid says, although I don't believe him for a second. There's no way Devin is jealous of me. The guy is a player and he seems more than happy with it being that way.

"Right. Sure," I mutter, keeping my eyes on Kane once more. "What… um… what deal did Kane make, is Alana really that important? I got the impression she was just a slut who liked to play games."

He chuckles at that. "Yes and no. I think she enjoys the games, it's a distraction for her."

"A distraction from what?" I blurt before I think better of it.

Reid's jaw pops as he thinks. "Life." He runs his hand through his hair. "Listen, when he's awake and you're up to it, you can talk to her yourself." For the first time ever, I think I hear a little hesitation in his voice.

"She's here?" I ask, trying to cover my shock.

"Yes. I'm… keeping her safe."

I narrow my eyes at his explanation.

"O-okay." I'm not sure how I really feel about the woman who tried to rip out my heart not so long ago, let alone to know that she's here under this very roof where I know Kane has been hanging out.

"He doesn't want her, Letty. He never has. I don't know what he's told you, but anything that was between them, it was no more than a business deal."

I nod, accepting his words.

"Thank you," I say sincerely.

"Kane has wanted to get out for a long time. He's not doing this because of you, he was already doing it." I try to swallow down the lump in my throat. "As much as I hate to admit it because he's one of my best boys, he wasn't built for this life. He deserves to live out his dream, he deserves MKU and the Panthers, and you, Letty. I'm sure you don't need me to tell you just how much he's been through. He deserves happiness."

My eyes fill with tears at his words and all I can do is nod.

"I'll leave you alone. You're welcome to stay as long as you like."

He squeezes my shoulder and backs up toward the door. Just before he disappears, I find my voice.

"You're a good friend, Reid. He's lucky to have you."

"I'm not so sure about that, Princess. But I do my best. Call if you need anything."

I smile weakly at him before he closes the door and leaves me alone with Kane.

Kicking off my shoes, I gently slide down the bed, being careful not to put any weight on Kane as I wrap my hand around his upper arm, needing some kind of contact with him to feel his warmth.

I lay there with him for the longest time, just listening to his breathing and thanking anyone who will listen that Victor didn't aim that gun any lower.

"He's right, you know." His croaky voice startles me, and I quickly push up onto my elbow to look at him.

His eyes are closed but he's clearly awake.

"Kane?"