him a smile. I promise nothing. I’d take a thousand bullets for this man, for both of them.
They each sit beside me, their moves looking almost synchronized as they take one of my hands in each of theirs.
“I heard you both. I think you were arguing.” I look at Jude and shake my head. “This isn’t your fault. I stepped in front of that bullet.”
“I was the one who took you to him in the first place—” he argues, but I cut him off.
“He would have found me anyway if he hadn’t already. Looking back, that whole situation just seems too convenient. He sure as shit didn’t seem surprised to see me.”
Jude considers my words, but he doesn’t say anything. It will take time to convince the stubborn ass.
“And Kai,” I turn to look at him, “you should really know better than to throw stones when you live in a glasshouse. It wasn’t that long ago you were shooting at me, and let’s not forget the whole taser thing. Actually, now that I think about it, you both might be more trouble than you’re worth,” I tease.
“Tough shit, Cherry, because you’re stuck with us now.”
“Am I? Both of you? Because I love you both too much to choose.”
“Both of us,” Kai nods, “but that means Cash and Will need to keep their fucking lips to themselves or I’ll cut them off. I’ll share with Jude, but you are off fucking limits to everyone else,” he warns.
“I don’t want anyone else. How greedy do you think I am?”
“You know your girl Megan has three men, right?” Jude points out.
“Yeah, but her men seem slightly more sane than mine. You’ll keep me busy. Now all I need is for you to bust me out of here.”
“Whoa, no can do, Red. You need to stay at least for a little longer.” Kai shakes his head.
“Oh, come on, I’m fine.”
“No,” Jude snaps, “you almost died in my arms. You crashed in the ambulance twice and coded again when they got you here. You will stay here and get better if I have to strap you to the damn bed myself!” His chest heaves.
“Hey, I’m sorry. I’m okay, I’ll stay,” I soothe, looking to Kai for help.
“We can’t lose you, Red. I’m with Jude. Rest up and heal. We have the rest of our lives to figure everything else out.”
“I didn’t mean to snap, but that night will haunt me for the rest of my days,” Jude admits, lifting his hand and rubbing it against his face. “You should be dead, it’s a fucking miracle you’re awake and talking at all. That bullet should have gone straight through your heart, only it ricocheted and grazed it instead, puncturing your lung and nicking an artery. You’re down to your last life now, Cherry, so for fuck’s sake, take care of yourself.”
“I will, and with you guys by my side, I have a feeling nothing will touch me again. I’m gonna nap now.” I smile, unable to fight the exhaustion any longer. It takes a lot of energy to heal, and right now, I’m as weak as a newborn kitten.
I’m not worried though, it won’t last forever, and with my guys at my side, I’ll eventually be stronger than I ever was.
After all, we have a city to run.
And a mother fucking empire to rule.
The End
Also by Candice Wright
THE UNDERESTIMATED SERIES
The Queen of Carnage: An Underestimated Novel Book One
https://books2read.com/u/47EMrj
The Princess of Chaos: An Underestimated Novel Book Two
https://books2read.com/u/mBOX9Z
The Reign of Kings: An Underestimated Novel Book Three
https://books2read.com/u/b55AL7
THE PHOENIX PROJECT DUET
From the Ashes: Book one
https://books2read.com/u/bO65pN
From the Fire: Book Two
https://books2read.com/u/38ZQ9w
THE INHERITANCE SERIES
Rewriting yesterday
https://books2read.com/u/3JVj6v
In this moment
https://books2read.com/u/bxvnJd
The Promise of tomorrow
https://books2read.com/u/bowEy1
The Complete Inheritance Series Box Set
https://books2read.com/u/mBO7ev
THE FOUR HORSEWOMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE SERIES
The Pures
https://books2read.com/u/mdGl1y
CAUTIOUS: An Everyday Heroes World Novel
Acknowledgments
Nichole Witholder – Cover Magician.
Tanya Oemig – My incredible editor - AKA miracle worker, who goes above and beyond.
Missy Stewart - Proofreader and lifesaver.
Gina Wynn - Formatting Queen.
My girl squad. I’m blessed to have such amazing, strong and talented women in my life.
My Beta Angels – Rachel, Sue, Julie and Jessica. You ladies are the bee’s knees. I will never be able to tell you how much I love and appreciate everything you do for me.
Thais, Aspen & Catherine – My mighty Alpha’s. There isn’t enough words in the dictionary to express my gratitude for you.
My readers – You guys are everything to me. I am in awe of the love and support I have received. Thanks for taking a chance on me and on each of the books that I write.
Remember, If you enjoy it, please leave a review.
About the Author
Candice is a romance writer who lives in the UK with her long-suffering partner and her three slightly unhinged children. As an avid reader herself, you will often find her curled up with a book from one of her favourite authors, drinking her body weight in coffee. If you would like to find out more, here are her stalker links:
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