by L. S. O'Dea
“I doubt it.”
“How does he not know?”
“He’s been away. We’ve kept it from him.”
“You kept it from him? You had no right to do that.”
He tried to sit up again but stopped. It hurt too badly. “He had to run his tests. He was already at the lab. If we’d told him, he’d have left and it isn’t like he’s a great help in the forest.”
She frowned but nodded. “Then you need to wait a little longer.”
“Why?”
“We’re stuck here until the doctor says you can leave. We don’t need him taking off on his own.”
“You’re right.” He’d felt bad about not telling him before but he, Bo and Tim had discussed it and had sent Clacker, one of Birdie’s nephews, to Townsend with the message. Now, he felt even worse for continuing to keep it from him.
Kim left and came back a few minutes later, carrying a tray and followed by a short, older Almighty, Hugh, and the rich Almighty Kim was dating.
“I’m Doctor Kalper. We met last night.” The older Almighty smiled as he stopped by the bed. “How are you feeling?”
“Fine. Great.”
“I doubt that.” Kalper chuckled. “But that’s the typical answer from all my Guard patients.” He removed Jackson’s bandage, cleaned the wound, applied salve, covered the wound with a clean bandage and then wrapped gauze around it to keep it in place.
The salve had been cool and had stung a bit but now the area was growing numb. “I like that stuff.” Jackson nodded at the container of ointment.
“Yes, a nice little concoction.” Kalper handed it to Kim. “Put this on him when he’s going to rest.” He glanced at Jackson. “You don’t want him feeling too good if he’s going to be up and about. Guards have a tendency to re-injure themselves.” His brows lifted. “They think they’re fine when they’re not.”
“Ah...she won’t be...” The glare Kim sent him made him snap his mouth shut so fast his teeth clanked together.
“Thank you, doctor.” She took the salve and then hugged the older man. “I...I don’t know what I would’ve done if...”
“It’s okay and you’re very welcome. He’ll be good as new in a few weeks.” He patted her back and then broke away. “Now, I have other patients to see. Make yourselves at home while I’m gone.” He stopped at the door. “You shouldn’t leave before dark.”
“Thank you.” Hugh shook the doctor’s hand.
“Hurry up and win this war, Hugh.” Kalper left.
“What is that stuff?” The Almighty Kim was dating walked over to her, taking her hand in a pretense to look at the bottle of salve.
“Don’t touch her.” He had no right to say that but he didn’t care.
Hugh smiled. “Glad to see you have some spunk back.”
“How are you feeling?” he asked.
“This?” Hugh’s face was turning a nice shade of purple and his lip was split open. He touched his cheek, wincing a little. “It’s nothing. I’ll be my pretty self in no time.” He sobered. “Will you be able to leave tonight?”
“Yeah.” He struggled to sit up.
“Help him.” She shoved the other Almighty toward the bed.
Jackson bared his teeth. This guy had kissed her. Put his hands on her body and as soon as he could stand, he’d kill him.
“Jackson, stop it. Davies saved your life,” said Kim.
“Well,”—Davies shrugged—“the doctor did that, but I got you here.”
He lowered his lips. He shouldn’t be angry with the guy. She needed to move on, but he still hated him. “Thank you.”
“That sounded like it hurt.” Davies grinned.
“You have no idea,” he muttered.
“I’ve got this.” Hugh helped Jackson to sit up in the bed, back resting on the headboard.
“Eat. You need your strength.” Kim placed the tray of food on his lap.
He wasn’t hungry. He just wanted to sleep. She needed to sleep too. There were deep circles under her eyes and her skin was more pale than usual.
“Please, Jackson.” She sat next to him.
He picked up the spoon and swallowed some of the soup. He’d do anything for her, even let her go.
“What happened to Jethro?” he asked between bites.
“Don’t know,” said Hugh. “We left him at his house.”
“My house,” said Kim. “Jethro has his own place now.”
“And his own troop of Guards.” He took a bite of bread. He’d been hungrier than he’d thought.
“I’d heard rumors.” Hugh sat on the spare cot. “What’s been going on since I’ve been away?” He glanced at Davies who stood by the door. “If you think we should talk about it now.”
“I’ll go get the rest of us some breakfast,” said Davies. “I don’t want to know any of this anyway.”
“I’ll help.” Hugh stood.
Davies rolled his eyes. “I swear. I’m not going anywhere.”
“You can trust him,” said Kim.
Jackson forced himself not to snarl, but he didn’t like the way she was looking at Davies, her eyes soft and warm.
“Davies and I need to talk anyway,” said Kim.
“Please. Not before breakfast.” Davies smiled at her but it was sad. “I’d never do anything to hurt Kim.” He looked at Hugh. “So, like I tried to tell you last night. I’m not going anywhere and I’m not saying anything about this night to anyone. Now, I am going to make us all some breakfast.” He left the room.
“Are you sure, Kim? If you’re wrong...” Hugh was glancing between the door and the bed.
“Davies won’t report us. I swear.” She turned her attention back to Jackson.
“I trust her, Hugh.” Jackson touched her hand.
“Trusting her isn’t the question.” Hugh stared at the door and then sat back down on the cot. “I’ve heard we’ve lost some soldiers.”
“Jethro has caught eight of our teams,” he said.
“How? I didn’t know he knew anything about wars and fighting.”
“He doesn’t,” said Kim.
“I have to disagree.” Hugh began to pace. “The maneuvers I set up wouldn’t be easily detected and the teams are trained. If he’s captured eight groups...”
“I meant that he never took any classes on it or studied it as far as I know.” She took the empty tray from Jackson’s lap.
“Well, he’s a natural then.” Hugh took the tray from Kim. “I’ll bring your breakfast when it’s done.”
“We need to discuss what we’re going to do about Jethro,”—Jackson glanced at Kim—“along with other things.”
“We have a long trip through the forest. We can talk about it then. Right now, you two need to rest. We’ll leave as soon as it’s dark.” Hugh shut the door behind him.
“He’s right. You need to sleep.” She brushed the hair off his forehead. “Let me help you lie down.” Her hands drifted around his back, skimming over his bare skin.
“I can do it.” He tried shifting downward but the muscles in his stomach screamed in protest and he groaned.
She reached under his arms and helped him settle on the mattress, her breasts pressing against his chest. His face was by her neck and he couldn’t stop himself from inhaling deeply. She dropped her hold and moved back by his side.
“You should sleep.” He ran his finger under her eye.
She caught his hand and kissed his palm.
“Kim, don’t. We can’t. You know—”
“Stop it.” Her grip tightened. “This is so stupid. I almost lost you last night. I’m not going to go away no matter what you say.” She touched his face, her fingers trailing down his cheek and across his lips. “Close your eyes and shut up for once because I’m not going to argue with you or listen to you.” She stretched out on the bed, every inch of her front pressing into his side. She wrapped his arm around her and she put her hand on his chest.
He sighed. He shouldn’t allow this, but right now he didn’t have
the energy to fight with her especially since the only thing he’d ever wanted was this. Actually, he’d rather they were alone and he was feeling better but he wasn’t picky. He’d take a few moments with Kim however he could get it.
CHAPTER 25: JACKSON
JACKSON COULD’VE SWORN he’d just closed his eyes when Kim nudged him awake. He’d barely had time to blink before Hugh and Davies grabbed him under the arms, lifting him out of bed and to his feet.
“I’m fine.” He shoved Davies’ hands away.
Hugh staggered as all Jackson’s weight fell to him
“You’ll really impress her when you fall flat on your face,” said Davies.
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” He wanted a reason to punch Davies. Actually, he had a reason but he wanted one Kim might understand.
“Stop it.” Kim sent them both a disgusted look.
“You ready?” Hugh’s arm tightened around his waist.
He nodded and they moved out of the bedroom and through the house to the garage. He gritted his teeth as pain shot through his torso with every step. Once in the garage, Kim climbed inside the carriage. He and Hugh followed. He tried, but couldn’t contain a slight moan as he stepped up into the conveyance.
Kim’s face paled as she watched him. He tried to smile as Hugh helped him sit down next to her, but he was pretty sure he only bared his teeth. She immediately started fussing with him, checking his bandage, brushing hair off his forehead. Hugh smirked as he dropped onto the seat across from them. He’d take some teasing later, but he didn’t care. Kim was there, with him and touching him. That was all that mattered at the moment.
The Grunts pulled into the driveway.
Davies closed the garage door and hopped into the carriage, frowning as his eyes landed on Jackson and Kim, but he quickly turned toward Hugh. “Where to?”
It was clear Hugh didn’t quite trust Davies and that was fine with him. “Lake of Sins,” he said before Hugh could think twice and give this guy a hint as to where their camp was located.
“Why do you want to go there?” asked Kim.
Hugh leaned against the seat, crossing his arms over his chest and studying him.
“Trust me.” He had a few reasons, but he wasn’t willing to share any of them right now.
Kim pursed her lips like she was going to argue but she remained silent. When nothing else was said, Davies shrugged and directed the Grunts.
Kim continued to fuss with his bandage and how he was sitting, trying to make sure he was comfortable. He wasn’t. He hurt, but the disgust on Davies face was enough to make him at least a little happy.
“You know,” said Davies as the carriage pulled down the path toward the Lake of Sins. “I should be the one glaring at you.”
“I thought you were.” Jackson’s fingers drift across Kim’s thigh.
Davies smiled as Kim shifted, displacing Jackson’s hand from her leg. Her cheeks were flushed. He wasn’t sure if she were embarrassed or turned on. Araldo, he hoped she was turned on even though in the shape he was in there was nothing he could do about it and he reminded himself, he shouldn’t do anything anyway.
The carriage stopped and Hugh climbed out and then helped Kim down. Next, he helped Jackson. Davies was the last to exit the carriage.
“Thank you.” Hugh extended his hand to the other Almighty. “And please, forget you saw any of us.”
“No problem.” Davies shook his hand and then his gaze shifted to Jackson. “I guess.”
“I owe you one,” said Hugh.
“Win this war and I may collect on that.” Davies smiled.
“I thought you weren’t taking sides?” Hugh’s tone was casual but his blue eyes had sharpened.
“Don’t start getting suspicious of me again.” Davies held up his hands. “I’m a business man, pure and simple and war is bad for business.”
“Investing in small businesses, right?” asked Hugh.
“Yes and conflict isn’t good for small businesses so it isn’t good for me.”
“So, you don’t care who wins, as long as it ends.”
“That’s not exactly true.” Davies’ smile faded. “Like I said, I’m a business man. Many of my customers liked the world as it was before your reports were leaked. However, I’m also a realist. The world will never go back to how it was. My position is simple. I want the war to end. People are hesitant to spend money. You know—the uncertainty and all that garbage.” He took a deep breath. “I’d deny this if asked by the wrong people, but I think the only way for peace instead of constant civil unrest is if you win. So, perhaps, I am on your side.”
Hugh nodded, seeming to buy Davies’ story, but Jackson wasn’t so sure. The guy was hiding something.
“Kim, may I speak with you?” asked Davies.
She glanced at Jackson and he shook his head. He didn’t want her alone with that man, ever. Her jaw jutted out and her eyes narrowed. He sighed. She was so stubborn.
“Of course.” She followed Davies to the other side of the carriage.
“They don’t realize you can still hear them, do they?” asked Hugh.
“No. Isn’t it great?” He kept his eyes on Kim. If the other male touched her, he’d break his fingers.
“I’ll wait until he leaves to drill you on how we’re getting out of here because you’re in no shape to travel by foot.” Hugh leaned against a tree.
He ignored Hugh, focusing on Kim and Davies.
“Thank you...for everything,” said Kim.
“You’re welcome. I’d say I was glad to help but I’m not sure I am. Our date didn’t quite go as I’d hoped.” Davies looked at Jackson for a second before brushing a lock of Kim’s hair off her shoulder.
She should slap his hand but she didn’t. Jackson would love to do it for her.
“I’m sorry about that, Davies. I’m sorry about...everything.”
“I’m not,” said Davies. “I mean, I’d hoped for something else, but...I understand.” He reached in his back pocket and handed Kim an envelope. “I was going to give this to you at the end of our date. I guess this is it.”
“What is it?” she asked.
“Open it.”
She did and her mouth dropped open. Her eyes were wide she looked up at him. “This...it’s...”
“You don’t have to worry about losing your home anymore.” He smiled, sending Jackson a gloating look.
“I can’t accept this.” She handed the envelope back to him.
“Consider it a gift from a friend.”
“It’s too much.”
“I don’t want your house, Kim and I’m not going to give it to anyone else. So, take the title.” He closed her fist around it.
Jackson gritted his teeth. He’d heard something from Carla about the loan Martha had taken out. He wanted to be the one to solve Kim’s problems but all he did was make her life worse.
“I...why did you do this?”
Jackson groaned. Did she have to ask? Obviously, the guy was in love with her.
“Would you believe I did it to annoy Christopher?”
“No. You didn’t do it to irritate your cousin.” She smiled. “You have plenty of other ways to do that.”
Davies laughed. “That’s true.” He sobered. “Would you believe I did it so you’d realize I was a good guy?”
“I know you’re a good guy,” she said softly.
Maybe, he was wrong about Davies. The man hadn’t done anything except want Kim and what male in his right mind didn’t? This Almighty cared for Kim and she liked him too. All she needed was time. He had to be strong and let her go.
“I’d also hoped that if you didn’t have to worry about your mom’s financial situation you might decide to...take the next step and move in with me.”
Her face paled.
Davies touched her cheek. “I know that isn’t going to happen and I’m sorry about that, but”—he glanced over at Jackson—“I understand.”
“Oh, Davies, I never meant...”
“I know you didn’t.” Davies took her hand in his.
“I...I can’t accept this.” She shoved the envelope against his chest.
“Too bad. It’s yours.” He dropped his hold on her hand and stepped back.
“No. I can’t.”
Davies jaw clenched and he frowned. The Almighty was getting fed up with Kim’s stubbornness. He knew exactly how Davies felt.
“Kim, I’m rich. My father’s bank holds the mortgage on thousands of houses. This”—he flicked the envelope—“is nothing to me.”
“That’s not true but even if it is, it means a great deal to me.” She stood on tip-toe and kissed his cheek. “Thank you. Please give it to my mother.” She slipped it into his hand.
Jackson glared at the two of them and took a step forward.
Hugh touched his arm. “It was only a kiss on the cheek.”
“I will. I promise.” Davies put the envelope back into his pocket as his eyes met Jackson’s. “But for that amount of money, I think I at least get to make your Guard jealous.” He leaned down, kissing her full on the lips. She didn’t embrace him but she didn’t push him away either.
Jackson growled.
“Let it go.” Hugh’s grip on his arm tightened. “It’s over.”
Davies stepped away, releasing Kim. His eyes met Jackson’s again and his were amused. He nodded slightly, turned and climbed into his carriage. The Grunts headed toward the road and Kim walked over to them.
“So,” said Hugh. “Time to tell us how we get to camp.”
Jackson stared at Kim but she wouldn’t look at him. “There’s a canoe hidden in the bushes.” He pointed toward an overgrown section of the lake.
Hugh glanced from one to the other. “Great. I’ll get it.”
As soon as Hugh was gone, Kim looked up at him. “Jackson, I’m sorry. I didn’t want him to kiss me.”
“I know.” His voice was a harsh whisper. He wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her so thoroughly that she forgot Davies even existed.
“He wrote off the debt on our house,” she said. “He gave me the deed.”
He remained silent. He didn’t want to tell her he’d heard the entire conversation.
“Now, Jethro can stop working for them. That’s why he’s doing all this. I’m sure he didn’t mean to stab you.”
