Warwick as an old friend, both sexes shimmering with desire as he passed, not at all shocked to see his condition, some even peering at me with interest.
Kitty stopped at a door, grabbing on to the doorknob, and opened it. “I had your room prepared for you.”
“Even if it’s been years, you seem to know when I’m coming.” He wagged his head, looking at her with adoration.
She shrugged, a hint of a smile on her lips. “You’re a powerful force, Warwick. Hard to ignore. Even more so tonight.” Her gaze dipped to me before motioning for us to enter.
Stepping in, my gaze drifted around. The space was simple—a bed with a nightstand, a fire lamp casting the room in a rosy color. A threadbare chair stood in the corner next to a dresser with a scuffed mirror over it and a bowl of water and towels stacked on it. The curtains were pulled back from the two open windows overlooking the lane below, music and voices roaring up into the room. “I will have someone bring you healing supplies, food, and clothes.”
“Kitty, thank you. Once again, your kindness is unparalleled.” He bowed his head to her. It was unsettling to see him be pleasant to someone. Kind. It was a side I never thought he had.
She exhaled, and a thin layer of fake annoyance swished her hand, revealing how much she and everyone else adored him here.
“I’m glad to see you, Warwick. There have been a lot of rumors.” She grabbed the handle, pulling the door closed. “Good night.”
The door clicked shut, leaving us alone in the tiny bedroom. A bedroom with only one bed.
In normal circumstances, this might cause some awkwardness, but upon the closing of the door, I felt I was permitting exhaustion and pain to command me. I bent forward, bracing myself against the wall.
“Sit down.” Warwick pointed at the bed, his tone cold and angry again. He tugged the gun free, setting it on the nightstand, moving to the dresser.
There’s the guy I know.
Plopping on the bed, the frame squeaked under me, my bones aching with exhaustion, my calf on fire. I knew adrenaline had kept the pain at bay, but now I was keenly aware of the excruciating ache of my muscles and the fire of my bullet wound. From the fight, the explosion, being shot, and escaping—there wasn’t a cell in my body not screaming in pain.
Breathing heavily and trying not to throw up, I heard someone knock. Warwick answered the door, mumbled to someone, and closed it. I zoned out, biting back the agony.
He stepped in front of me, setting down the bowl of water, rags, pliers, gauze, and other instruments I didn’t want to think about. He opened one of the bags, pulling out a jug.
“Drink.” He thrust the bottle in my face. The brutal smell of really cheap palinka burned my nostrils, and I turned my head away. “Sorry, princess, I don’t have the premium stuff you’re used to. This is going to have to do.”
Scowling, I swiped the bottle from him, my tender stomach rolling at the harsh smell.
As his hands moved down my leg, pain lit up my nerves. I poured a swig down my throat, hacking and coughing as the liquid scorched my gullet. I took another huge shot right after, flinching at the severe liquor.
Far cry from the palinka Caden and I shared our last night together.
Caden.
My head shook at the memory. That was another lifetime—another girl.
“Sounds like you are a regular here.” I shivered at another swig.
“I was.”
I waited for him to continue. He didn’t.
“How do you know her?”
“Kitty and I go back a long time,” he answered coolly.
“I’ll bet,” I snorted, feeling fire course down my throat. He ignored my comment. “Did you know Kitty means chaste and pure?” I sniggered, staring at the light brown shitty liquor. “Ironic, huh?”
“Take off your pants,” Warwick ordered, sitting back on his heels.
I peered up, staring at him.
“Seriously?” He rolled his eyes, annoyance heaving from his nose. “You think escaping from that hellhole and getting you shot was all simply my grand plan to see you in your knickers?” He tilted into me, his mouth so close. I inhaled sharply, the alcohol already buzzing my mind. “Plus, I’ve already seen you naked, princess. Nothing special. Far too bony for me.”
I frowned, huffing with embarrassment and irritation. “Screw you.”
“Now look who is trying to get into whose pants.”
I turned my head, afraid of the fury boiling up in me.