Chapter 23: King of Deception: Chapter 23

The doctor examines me and declares that I did not sustain any serious injuries. I’m just relieved and ready to be alone, but Gris isn’t done. He grills the doctor for a full fifteen minutes.

Even Mason raises his eyebrows at the length the conversation goes on, and everyone knows the best word to describe my oldest brother is… meticulous.

Finally, I’m the one who excuses the doctor. “Gris. Let the man go. I’m fine.”

He sits down on the bed next to me, ignoring both my brothers in the doorway, and brings his hand to my hip. “You are far from fine. With every passing minute, those bruises get darker. I didn’t hit Preston hard enough. I’m going to⁠—”

“Speaking of, Dr. Matthews, would you do us the kindness of examining the man on the living room floor? See if you can revive him.”

“He’s the one who did that to you?” The doctor asks me the question and I give a quick nod, even as Gris’s hand spreads out wider over my hip, like he’s protecting me.

The doctor looks at Mason, and Mason gives him another nod of approval before both men head out the door to check on Preston.

Which leaves me with Gris and Luke. Great.

Luke leans against the wall, his arms crossing over his muscular chest. Gris sits taller, blocking more of me from view. I reach out and brush my fingers over his shoulder.

He looks back at me, skimming his hand up my arm, he cups my cheek. “Need anything, luv? Hungry? I put your sushi in the fridge.”

I shake my head. I was famished an hour ago but now I don’t think my stomach would tolerate anything more than broth. Definitely not raw fish.

He strokes his fingers through my hair. “Something else?”

“Want some soup, Bug?” Luke asks from his spot on the wall.

“Soup would be good. Thanks.”

“Gris, mind getting her that soup? She likes the Thai place down the street.”

Gris glares at Luke. “You seem to know where to go, I think you can handle this one.”

“But I asked you.”

“Handing me the real job again?” Gris grunts back.

I push at his shoulder. “Do not make this worse.”

“He’s the one who tackled me into your cabinets. It’s going to be a full kitchen renovation. And while I’m excited to see your design, Luke is going to split the cost with me. Since he’s the one who did the body slamming.” Gris keeps stroking my hair, even as he glares back at Luke.

“Fine,” Luke grumbles, “I’ll get the Thai food.”

He’s gone and for a moment, I just lie there, my eyes sliding closed, as I bask in the feeling of Gris’s hand in my hair.

He adjusts the ice pack on my throat, his fingers gently working over my scalp. “I’ll get you cold ice in a minute.”

“Thanks,” I whisper, just enjoying the moment. The only way I’m sleeping tonight is in the circle of Gris’s arms. “Every time I think I’ve extricated myself from Preston, he manages to worm his way back in, worse than before.”

“How did he get in tonight?” Gris asks. His fingers are still gentle, but I hear the edge.

“I thought he was the delivery guy. I stupidly opened the door. I know you told me not to let him in. I just…”

“It’s not your fault, sweetheart,” he bends over and brushes a kiss over my forehead.

I feel tears pricking at my eyes again. “How am I going to feel safe after this?” Preston will go back to New York eventually. Hopefully. But until then, I’m going to constantly be looking over my shoulder.

“I’m not letting Preston hurt you ever again.”

“Gris, you can’t promise that. He could show up again, catch me in a hotel lobby the way he did tonight. Knock on the door when I’m expecting a delivery.” Panic rises in my chest, but Gris’s other hand comes around my face so that’s he’s cradling my head in his hands.

“You can come stay with me. As long as you want. We’re going to need to renovate here anyway. And after, you can redo my place. It could use a woman’s touch.”

“Gris,” the offer lodges in my heart, ridiculous hope making my breath catch. “Don’t⁠—”

“We could go to England. My family owns six different properties. Leave your family and mine here in Vegas. Just be us.”

Blood rushes in my ears. “But your business, my family…”

He leans close, whispering in my ear. “Nothing is more important than your safety.”

He might have detonated an emotional bomb the way all the reason in my brain scatters. I want to sink so deep into him, that I never surface again.

“Gris,” Mason calls from the door. “Got a minute?”

I choke a bit. He can’t leave now… there is so much to say. But he kisses my forehead again, his thumbs brushing over my cheeks. “I’ll be right back.”

And then he gets up and follows Mason out the door. I’d like to follow too. Find out what they’re saying.

But I feel my eyes sliding closed.