Brotherhood Protectors: Exposed (Kindle Worlds Novella) (Scandalous Moves Book 4)

by Deborah Grace Staley

  Caroline popped her head into the room but stopped when she saw Soleil in bed with Jake.

  “She’s staying,” Jake said.

  “Okay,” his daughter said, not questioning it. “I’ll see you in the morning. I love you, Daddy,” she said and left.

  “Love you, too,” he said.

  Jake closed his eyes. His energy was gone.

  “This won’t be easy to explain tomorrow,” Soleil mumbled. “I’m sure Luna will be by. She’s been checking in as often as she can.

  He kissed her forehead again. “I’ll tell them I’m your bodyguard.”

  “That won’t explain me curled up in bed with you.”

  “True enough, but we’re both adults, and we don’t have to talk about anything else until we’re ready.”

  “Okay.”

  Jake heard the smile in her voice as he drifted off to sleep.

  10

  The nurse got good and pissed when she saw all the people crowded in Jake’s room the next morning. It was standing room only with his kids, his ex, and then there was Hank and A.J. taking up most of the space.

  “Everyone out,” she said. “I need to check his dressing and his catheter.”

  “Ew,” Charlie said, and ducked out the door.

  Caroline kissed him. “We won’t be far.”

  “Don’t leave,” he said to the men before they left the room. “I want to hear the plan.”

  “We got this, brother. You just focus on getting better so you can get back to your retirement.”

  “How’s your pain on a scale of zero to ten, Mr. Stanton?” Darcy asked.

  His shoulder hurt like hell. “About a seven,” he said honestly.

  “I’ll give you something for that.”

  He winced as she peeled the dressing away from his wound. “It looks good.”

  He turned to look as well, but the motion hurt his collarbone. “Jesus,” he said and pounded the bed, but the vibration only made it hurt more.

  “Easy, young man,” the nurse said even though she looked about the same age as him. “The bullet broke your collarbone, and the surgeon repaired it with a plate and six screws. Your incision is going to hurt like a son of a bitch for the next little while. But don’t worry, after a little morphine, you won’t care.”

  “No. No pain meds.”

  “You’ve had surgery. You’re in the hospital. Your body needs to rest and heal. That means you need something to help with the pain.”

  “No,” Jake said firmly.

  Darcy just shook her head. When she’d finished with his bandage and had checked his IV, she said, “Press the button when you change your mind.”

  Out in the hallway, he heard her say, “No more than two at a time in the room.”

  Hank and A.J. came in. “Thank you for coming,” Jake said to them. “What’s the plan?”

  “First things first,” Hank said. “Where’s Soleil?”

  “She went downstairs with her sister to get coffee.”

  “I’ll send Nate to stay with them,” A.J. said and stepped out of the room.

  “Who’s Nate? I think Soleil mentioned him last night,” Jake said.

  “Nathan Crowder. He’s a former Naval intelligence officer who’s now with the DEA out of New York.”

  “Oh, right,” Jake said. “I remember now. A.J. told me about him.”

  Hank grinned. “We got a hit on one of the sets of fingerprints from the vandalism on Soleil’s property. The fuckwad is small time but has a record for possession with the intent to sell. So, the police suspect that the perps might be hiding something, likely drugs, somewhere near your house. Crowder’s here coordinating with the local DEA field office and law enforcement to do a search and, if we’re lucky, arrest the bastards.”

  “Any ballistics on the bullet they took out of me?”

  “No report, yet.”

  He was starting to breathe easier. “So it had nothing to do with Soleil’s work after all.”

  “We don’t think so, but we’ll know more in a few days,” Hank said. “Also, the girl she did the story on, they made an arrest. Unfortunately, it was a john, not her pimp.”

  “Another indication the girl’s handlers aren’t after Soleil.”

  “True, but we should still be cautious. I’ll be taking over her security detail.”

  Jake knew Hank didn’t do this often, but he was grateful. “Thanks, man.”

  “No worries. We’re just glad you’re all right.”

  “Did you tell her about the girl?” Jake asked.

  Hank nodded.

  “That should ease her mind a little.” Jake looked at the door. “I don’t know what’s taking Soleil so long.”

  “How long has she been gone?” A.J. asked.

  Jake looked at the clock on the wall at the foot of the bed. “More than fifteen minutes.”

  A.J. and Hank looked at each other and left.

  Jake tried to sit up, but the pain pressed him against the bed.

  “Hey,” Caroline said, rushing to his side. “What are you doing?”

  Charlie came in, too.

  “Soleil’s been gone too long.”

  “What’s going on, Daddy?” Caroline said. “Why were you shot, and why are your Army friends here looking all dark and dangerous? And what does Soleil have to do with it all?”

  “We may have stumbled onto a drug ring operating near my property. I think they felt threatened when they found people staying at my place.”

  “How do you know this?” Charlie asked.

  “The day after I got into town, Soleil’s camper and van were broken into.”

  “At your house?” Caroline said. “Why didn’t you say something?”

  “I didn’t want to worry you. But my friend Hank runs an agency that provides bodyguards who are veterans. He’ll be staying as Soleil’s personal protection until we figure out what’s going on.”

  “Cool,” Charlie said.

  Caroline shot her brother a look. “Dad got shot. Not cool.” To Jake, she said, “But they weren’t looking for her, per se. They just didn’t want her nosing around the lagoon near whatever it is they’re doing out there, right?”

  “It seems so.” He winced. “Could you show me how to raise the bed?” he asked.

  Caroline pushed a button on the rail near his bad shoulder, and he got more comfortable. “Where are A.J. and Hank?” he said, checking the door again.

  “Want me to go see what I can find out?” Charlie asked.

  “Would you, son?”

  When he was out of the room, Caroline crossed her arms and looked down at him. “What?” he said.

  “Soleil spent the night.”

  “I thought that was the safest thing until Hank could send a bodyguard.”

  “It was more than you keeping her safe,” she pointed out.

  “Caroline, I’m not discussing that with you.”

  His daughter grinned. “That was fast.”

  “Caroline . . .” he said in his best “dad” voice.

  His daughter leaned down and kissed him. “Really, Daddy. Why do you think I asked her to stay around and do my wedding when she’s not a wedding photographer?” Caroline smiled.

  “You were matchmaking?” he said, surprised.

  Caroline laughed. “Luna and I have been trying to get the two of you in the same place at the same time for quite a while. I don’t know what I was thinking because I’m afraid she’s going to take you away again.”

  “It’s way too soon for this discussion,” Jake said. “Where are they?” he asked again.

  Hank came back into the room. “We can’t find her. She’s not answering her cell.”

  “It’s broken,” Jake said. “And what do you mean you can’t find her?”

  “She’s not in the cafeteria or anywhere around it, inside or outside.”

  “Shit.” He tried to get up again.

  This time Hank put a hand on his shoulder. “We got this.”

  “I shouldn’t have
let them go downstairs alone.”

  Caroline rolled her eyes. “Like you could have stopped them. You men and your caveman tendencies. She’s probably in the bathroom. I’ll call Luna.”

  Soleil and her sister walked into the room with Charlie.

  “Thank, God,” Jake said. “Where have you been?”

  “I needed a minute alone, so I went into the chapel,” Soleil said. “Luna was in the bathroom. Why?”

  “I told you,” Caroline said.

  The two sisters looked nothing alike. Luna was tall with shoulder-length black hair and darker skin, but they had the same striking blue eyes.

  “Hello, Luna. It’s nice to see you again.”

  “Hi, Mr. Stanton. I’m glad you’re okay,” Luna said.

  “Thanks.”

  “What’s up?” Soleil asked.

  “He thought you’d been kidnapped,” Caroline said.

  “Dad tried to get out of bed,” Charlie added.

  “Twice,” Caroline confirmed.

  “I told you people only two at a time,” Darcy said, as she came in the room with a fresh bag of IV fluids.

  “Would you like me to do that, Darcy?” Luna asked.

  “You’re off the clock. Go home,” the nurse said.

  “Yes, ma’am,” Luna said but didn’t move.

  “Soleil and Hank, stay,” Jake said, feeling a lot cranky. “The rest of you, please go. Caroline, shouldn’t you be at work?”

  “I took off.”

  “And I told my advisor I wasn’t returning to school until after the wedding,” Charlie said.

  “I love you,” he said to his children, “but I can’t stand you hovering.”

  Caroline patted his hand. “Okay, Daddy. Stay calm. We’ll go to the waiting room while you talk to your friend and Soleil. We’ll be back later.”

  Jake relaxed into the pillow and closed his eyes. He felt Soleil’s hand on his forehead. The energy flowing from her palm to his body calmed him and his pain level decreased. He took a deep breath, and when he opened his eyes again, the nurse had finished hanging the new bag.

  “I’ll be back soon to check your dressing and take out your catheter. They’re going to get you moving today. Next shift will be on shortly,” she said and left.

  “I’m sorry I scared you,” Soleil said, moving her hand to his chest, near his wound.

  “Hank is here to look after you. Don’t go anywhere without him.”

  “Okay, but I don’t plan on leaving you.”

  “You should go home and get some rest.”

  She just stared at him. The skin beneath her eyes was dark. He knew she was exhausted.

  “I’m fine,” he said.

  “We can ask Caroline to call you if there’s any change,” Hank said.

  “But there won’t be. You still have my phone, right?” Jake said to Soleil.

  “Yes,” she said. “And the police recovered the kayak,” she added.

  “I’m surprised you didn’t go after it yourself,” he said with a smile. “Your camera was in it.”

  “I know, but I was a little busy with you,” she reminded him.

  “I’m good. There won’t be anything happening here other than me being a bad patient and wanting out of this damn place,” Jake said and covered her hand with his. “Your hand on me feels tingly.”

  “Um, I’ll just . . . give you two a moment,” Hank said and stepped into the hall.

  “I’ve been giving you Reiki all night,” Soleil said.

  “Do you think it’s working?”

  “Of course.” She leaned down and held his face, staring at him for long moments before she kissed him. “I’ll go rest if you promise you’ll do the same.”

  Jake turned his head and pressed a kiss into her palm. Truthfully, he was already falling asleep. “Deal.”

  She kissed him again, but still didn’t move away. “Do you want anything from home?”

  Home. He liked hearing her say the word. “Just you,” he said softly. “And maybe some pants.”

  She eased her hand behind his neck and pressed her cheek to his. He held the back of her head as emotion flowed between them.

  “I’m so glad you’re all right,” she said.

  “Me, too.” He wasn’t ready to say goodbye to this woman. Not by a long shot. “Don’t worry. I’m fine. Really. Ask the nurse.”

  “I did. Luna said you refused pain meds,” she said, staring at him now. “Your collarbone is broken and you had a damned bullet dug out of your shoulder. You don’t have to be in pain.”

  “I don’t want to be knocked out, and besides, the pain isn’t that bad. I can rest without it, but only if I know you’re taking care of yourself,” he added.

  She stood, but kept her hand on his chest. “Stubborn man.”

  “Same goes,” he pointed out. “Now get out of here. I’m tired.” He closed his eyes, hoping she’d do as he asked. He hated to let her go, but knew Hank would take care of her the same as he would.

  She kissed him again, then left. Jake drifted off with the feel and taste of her kiss on his lips.

  * * *

  When Soleil walked into Jake’s room around five in the afternoon, Caroline said, “Thank God. I’m out.” Jake’s daughter breezed past Soleil and Hank as though she couldn’t leave quickly enough.

  “What’s going on?” Soleil asked cautiously.

  “I’m going home,” Jake said.

  “Excuse me?”

  “You got my bag?” he asked Hank.

  Hank set a duffle on the foot of the bed. “I’ll leave you two to talk,” he said and left the room.

  Jake turned to his good side and used his arm to push up into a sitting position. “You mind unzipping that and pulling out my pants?”

  Soleil stood in front of him, arms crossed. “Explain how it is that you were shot yesterday, had surgery, but are leaving the hospital today.” She noticed that his IVs had been disconnected, but one port was still taped to his hand.

  “The doctor signed off,” Jake said.

  “Clearly because you didn’t give him a choice.”

  “There’s nothing they’re doing here that can’t be done at home. I’ve been up walking all day, showing my ass to everyone on the hall in this damned hospital gown. The last trip down the hall, the nurse couldn’t keep up and kept asking me to slow down.” He reached around to untie the gown. “You gonna help me or not?”

  “You are a damned stubborn man, Jake Stanton” Soleil said, but unzipped the duffle and found his sweatpants. She bent and held the pants as he put his legs in, then he stood and pulled them up with his good arm. Next, she undid the other tie on his hospital gown and helped him get it off. Her eyes locked on the large white bandage covering his shoulder and had to swallow hard around the tightness in her throat caused by the sight of the injury to his body.

  She tightened the string inside the waist of his pants and tied it. “Where’s your sling? The immobilizer thingy?”

  “On the table, beside the supper I didn’t eat. I couldn’t tell if it was pudding, Jello, mush, or some disgusting combination of them all.” He grasped her chin and tipped her face up. “I can’t stay here another second. I need to help Hank and A.J. with the operation that’s going down tonight.”

  Angry, she stepped away from his touch. Out of reach. “You’re in no condition to—”

  “They’ve set up a command center in a spare room at the house. I can look at a monitor and speak into a headset.”

  “Well, thank God you weren’t planning on suiting up and going out with them.” She’d bet he’d given it serious consideration, though. Stupid man.

  “The DEA and local authorities have point on this, but I can help because I know the area.”

  “I’m sure they have maps and people trained to read them,” Soleil countered.

  “You’re going to fight me on this?” he said as if he couldn’t believe what she’d said.

  “Hell, yes.” She pointed to the bed and said, “Sit.”
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  He surprised her by doing as she’d asked. She got a blue, button-up shirt out of the bag and shook it out. She stepped between his legs, carefully grasped the hand of his injured arm, and put it into the sleeve. “Don’t move,” she said. “Let me do the work.” She held his hand pressed against his abs and moved the shirt up until it was positioned on his upper arm. Jake only winced once.

  After they’d gotten his other arm in its sleeve, he mumbled, “Thanks.”

  He started doing the buttons himself, but she brushed his hand away. “You’re an idiot. This is going to slow your recovery. Do I need to remind you that your daughter is getting married next week? You want to be able to walk her down the aisle, right?”

  He moved a hand up and down her thigh. “I’m fine,” he said.

  His nurse from the night before came into the room. “I see you’re a party to this suicide mission,” she said to Soleil.

  “Do I have a choice?” she commiserated with the woman.

  “Hmphf.” That one sound kind of said it all. “Let me show you how to put the immobilizer on him,” she said to Soleil. “It’s a brace and an immobilizer that will allow his collarbone to heal. If he moves his arm at all, it can destroy the repair and require another surgery,” she said to Jake.

  Jake grumbled something. The nurse raised her eyebrow.

  “Yes, ma’am,” he said.

  Soleil laughed, but she was taking mental notes.

  “Wrap the brace around his torso just under his chest.”

  Jake grunted as she put the contraption around him. “Easy, Darcy.”

  “It needs to be snug,” the nurse continued. “Then put the strap around his uninjured shoulder and buckle it in front. This strap on the side goes around his injured arm just above the elbow, and this one in front goes around his wrist.”

  Jake was in obvious pain when she’d finished. She hadn’t been gentle. Served him right as far as Soleil was concerned.

  “Questions?” Darcy asked.

  It was all Velcro, so it seemed pretty simple. “No,” Soleil said.

  “These are his treatment orders, not that he’ll follow them,” Darcy said. “He should rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a soft diet until tomorrow when he can gradually begin to eat solid foods. A home health nurse will come tomorrow morning to administer IV antibiotics. After that, he can take them orally. He also has a prescription for pain meds. He’ll need to follow up with an orthopedist in one week.”