Page 134 of The Echo of Forever

“It’s a promise. But don’t worry, I can show you better than I can tell you.”

For a moment, we stood locked in silent combat, neither willing to be the first to look away. Finally, I stepped back and looked at Dr. Patel, knowing if he stayed here any longer, my husband would make an appearance.

“I’ll come back when she’s more lucid,” I said. “And when the company is more agreeable.”

Without waiting for a response, I strode past Eliel, deliberately letting my shoulder brush against his. I was halfway to the elevator when Kai caught up with me, grabbing my arm to slow me down.

“What are you—”

He glanced back down the hallway, then pulled me into a surprising hug. I stiffened, unused to this kind of physical affection from my brother.

“What are you doing?” I muttered against his shoulder, arms dangling at my sides.

“Making it look like I’m talking you down,” he whispered. “No meed to give anybody here a hard time, alright? I made sure everyone’s solid.”

I pulled back enough to see his face. “You did?”

He nodded.

“That’s why I made friends with Patel before he got transferred here. Took care of something for him, and now he’ll take care of Ma for us.”

The elevator doors opened, and we stepped inside. As soon as they closed, I turned to him.

“Who else have you made friends with?” I queried, knowing he’d understand.

“I’ll tell you when I have something to share. Where are you headed now?” he asked as the elevator descended.

“To Cannon towers.”

I left out the part about Demetrius waiting for me outside.

Kai nodded, seemingly unsurprised. “Let me come with you.”

I studied him, searching for any sign of deception. Kai had always been the most straightforward member of our family, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be manipulated by others.

“Why?”

“Because I’m a nosy nigga and want to see what the fuck they up to over there.”

The elevator doors opened to the lobby. I could refuse, but something about pushing my brother away at this stage in our lives didn’t feel right.

“Whatever,” I said, playing it off as if it weren’t a big deal. “Just don’t touch anything.”

We stepped outside, and Demetrius was waiting on the curb, leaning against the back passenger door with his phone to his ear. He ended the call at the sight of me, raising an eyebrow before acknowledging Kai with a head lift.

“Y’all good?” he asked, tugging me into him.

I wrapped my arms around his waist and hummed, not wanting to mention my dad.

“Oh, me?” Kai asked, not really looking for an answer. “I’m doing great. Our pops, not so much. She just told him y’all married, and I could see the murder plot forming in his cold, dark eyes.”

Despite myself, I laughed.

He never took shit seriously, and that was how I wanted to live my life from this moment on. Not giving a fuck and killing anybody against it.

CHAPTER 32

ECHO