Chapter Eight #2
When he made it back to the living room with two big pots of hot water and several washcloths, Lucas’ shirt had been cut away and Kace wore surgical gloves.
As he bent to set the pans next to Kace, he got the full picture and froze.
It looked as if Lucas had been stabbed multiple times in his torso.
Jamison fought the PTSD that tried to overtake him.
A pained through-his-teeth chuckle left Lucas. “Look out. Jamison is about to fall apart and steal the spotlight.”
His sarcasm pulled Jamison back to reality. “Wow. Even when I could help save your life, you’ve decided being an asshole is more important.”
“You used to like my asshole.”
Kace froze for half a second. He didn’t look at anyone. Then he went back to work. Unfortunately, he saw exactly how stiff Kace had become. Goddamn it. Lucas really knew how to wreck his life. Always had.
If Jamison stayed, he would let Lucas goad him until Jamison finished him off. It was best he left. He stood and turned away.
“His third best skill after cuddling and fucking—running away.”
Rage had Jamison seeing red, but he still headed toward the kitchen.
He heard Kace quietly speaking, but he couldn’t make out the words.
His pulse beat too loudly. He grabbed the coffeepot and filled it with water.
This would likely take some time, and this was something he could do for Kace.
He turned to find Ajax leaned against the kitchen island, looking relaxed and like he wasn’t covered in blood.
“You know Lucas has always been a right cunt. That’s part of what makes him irresistible. Don’t let him get under your skin.”
Jamison filled the coffeemaker and found the coffee beans. “Do you think I’m any happier to see you or to have you threatening to kill me… again?”
Ajax rolled his eyes. They were a gorgeous gray that nearly matched the slight streaks of silver through his dark hair. He looked as polished—even covered in blood—as the prince he served. “Please. Spare me, mate. I know you’re not that weak. Since when does a gun at your head bother you?”
Jamison fought the urge to explode. “Since I left this life. I told all of you to stay the fuck away from me. This is a peaceful home. We have a nice, quiet, and normal life.”
“To be fair, we’re not here for you. It’s hardly our fault you chose a man who is a doctor and knows Lucas.”
He had been so upset, he had forgotten Kace knew Lucas. That got under his skin. “How does Lucas know Kace?”
Ajax smirked. “How does anyone know Lucas? Either drugs or sex. I doubt your boring little doctor has ever done drugs in his life.”
Jamison looked away. His eye twitched. Things had been going so amazingly. He thought he worked on building a beautiful life.
“You always were a dramatic one. The gay scene isn’t that big, if we’re being real. Don’t be stodgy.”
Jamison growled. “I don’t give a shit about what Kace did before me. Hell, he was one right choice away from marrying my cousin at one point. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me and we’re likely as good as over, thanks to you people.”
“Like I said, we’re here for Kace’s expertise. If you think you can keep him quiet about this, so we don’t have to kill him, then there’s no need for him to know about your past with us.”
“What past?”
Jamison dropped his head to the counter and banged it softly when Kace’s question hit. He really must have been a terrible person in another life. Jamison was constantly punished for crimes he didn’t commit.
“He’s stitched. I knocked him out. He needs blood, but I can’t help you there. I’ve done all I can do under these conditions. If he lives through the next week or so, then he might live, but I think it’s unlikely, given the circumstances.”
“Is it safe to move him?”
Jamison listened to the entire conversation with his head down. He should go ahead and leave now. Kace would put him out soon.
“I wouldn’t unless it’s to a hospital—where he belongs.
There’s one guest room upstairs that has a bed.
If you can get him up there and find a way to get blood for him, I’ll do what I can until whatever happens happens.
” His voice hardened. “But if you ever pull a gun in my house again, you won’t leave here. ”
Goddamn. Jamison straightened. He knew Kace was a badass, but fuck.
Ajax looked amused, but impressed. “I can get whatever you need. It should go without saying this is something you must keep to yourself.”
“I’m a doctor. Whatever happens between my patient and me is confidential.”
Ajax dipped his chin. “Give Hektor a list. He’ll get whatever supplies you need. I’ll stay with Lucas and play nursemaid until it’s safe to move him.” Ajax sounded confident Lucas would live.
Kace nodded. His gaze moved Jamison’s way and back again. “That’s fine. Clean up your mess.” He walked away.
Ajax’s laughing gaze moved Jamison’s way. “He’s a much better choice for you. You need a strong hand.”
A thought hit. One that might go farther at saving Kace than any other—the same detail that had saved him. “He’s Joesph’s oldest friend.”
Ajax gave him a sharp nod. “That explains a lot.” He paused. A thoughtful look passed over his features. “Isn’t he your cousin?”
Damn. Jamison forgot he had admitted Kace had dated his cousin and he only had one of those. “Yeah.”
Ajax’s eyebrows rose, but he didn’t say anything else.
They both knew Joesph was not only the prince’s attorney but also his close friend.
Prince Noir wouldn’t allow any harm to come to that relationship—like killing Joesph’s friend and soon-to-be cousin by marriage.
They weren’t completely helpless in this situation. At least there was that.