Working Out West - Lila Rose Page 0,39

“Look, this ain’t my house. I can’t say who stays or goes. But I have a feelin’ that West will need Adrik.”

Wreck’s jaw clenched. “I don’t like you,” he said to me. “Stay until West says otherwise, and then I’ll take great pleasure to kick you the fuck out.”

I nodded. I was not in the mood to goad Wreck more, and I would leave willingly if West did not want me there. Turning, I stalked back toward West’s room.

“What will you do while I am in here?” I asked Dimitri, sensing him behind me with his silent movements.

“I will guard the door.”

“You do not have to stay. You know I can handle things.”

“I know. But I will always have your back, Adrik.”

Facing him, I clasped him on the shoulder. “And I appreciate it, friend.” I ran a hand over my face. Weariness tugged at me.

“You know the ogre is only looking out for his partner. He protects, like you. He does not trust us because of the Mikhaillova name.”

He spoke of Wreck. “I know this, and maybe I will come to like him, but right now is not the time.” Until then, I would tolerate him. I would do anything for West and to be able to stay at his side.

Chapter Twelve

West

Oxygen. I needed to breathe. I woke gasping for air but was unable to find it. I cried out as I tried to move, the pain radiating throughout my body.

“It’s okay, you’re all right. Just breathe with me. Come on, West. Look at me and breathe.” A hand ran over my head. I flinched back, the voice not registering.

“No,” I croaked and tried to move again. Pain slashed into me.

“It’s Lucas, West. It’s me, honey. I’m here. You’re at home.”

I stilled. “Lucas?” Opening my eyes, they focused on Lucas’s face right in front of me.

“Hey,” he whispered with a soft smile.

Tears pooled. “Lucas,” I uttered, my breath catching in my throat. It stung as I swallowed over and over, but the emotions got the better of me, and I cried. I sobbed because I wasn’t there.

They’d come for me.

I was home with my friends, my family.

I was free.

“Oh, honey, it’s okay. You’re all right. You’re here,” Lucas cooed. He touched his forehead against mine. “We have you.”

They did.

I was home.

Where I was supposed to be.

After a shuddering breath, I opened my eyes to my best friend. “T-Thank you for coming for me.”

“We always will. I knew something was wrong when you didn’t come home or call. I got Wreck onto it right away, but we didn’t have a clue where you were. I-I’m sorry it took so long.”

“No. Don’t apologize. N-No one… no one would have—” I closed my eyes, clearing my tender throat. “—thought my parents would do that.”

My body trembled over the reminder of it. The pain, the agony, the heartbreak. Their crazed eyes, the prayers. I never wanted to hear another prayer in my life. I thinned my lips to keep from crying.

I’m home. I’m home, I’m home.

“Adrik—”

Lucas had started until I opened my eyes wide. “He was there.” It flashed back to me, hearing his voice. “I hadn’t imagined him?”

Lucas shook his head. “No, he was there. Adrik was the one who heard you. He broke through the door to get to you and hasn’t left your side since. Well, until his parents just arrived to check on him and you.”

I bit my bottom lip to stop the tremble. I shook my head, tears welling once more.

“What? What is it? The pain meds should still be working. Do you need a drink, food?” Lucas straightened to check me over.

“He can’t be here,” I whispered.

Lucas paused. He went to his knees beside the bed and looked at me. “But why?” he asked.

It was difficult, but I lifted a hand, ignoring the stabbing pain in my back and wrist, and covered my eyes as the tears slid down. “He can’t be here” was all I said again.

“West, honey, I don’t understand. You left him because you didn’t think he held anything for you. But anyone who was there could see he does. He cares for you a lot.”

“He can’t,” I tried again.

“Why, West? Please make me understand.”

I couldn’t. Adrik wouldn’t understand.

Closing my eyes, I shook my head.

“West, honey, I need to know before he comes back to your room because, believe me, he will come back. He doesn’t like being far. He hasn’t slept. The only reason he’s not at your side now is because of his