47. Gunnar

Chapter 47

Gunnar

I watch as Colt comes back downstairs from where he'd carried Fable up. She'd been passed out in his arms, covered up with only his shirt. He'd been as naked as a jaybird, and I'd scolded him, but he'd reminded me that he knew Callie wasn't home and that it'd be safe. He'd sent me back into the kennels for Fable's prosthetic and clothing and it sits on the table right now, folded and organized. When he comes back down, I level him with a glare.

The fact her prosthetic is off makes me question how fucking stupid Colt is. There are things too far, and that's one of them. I know his tastes, and I have no doubt Fable will need to sleep it off.

"You mad?" Colt asks as he comes back down, his eyes on me.

"No," I say, but it doesn't sound convincing. Apparently, it doesn't to him either.

"Then what's wrong?" he asks, scowling. "I didn't do anything she didn't want to. I gave her an out. I was responsible."

"Good," I say, sighing in relief. "I was worried when?—"

"I asked you to bring her prosthetic in. Yeah I get that," he says, watching me carefully. "I know I'm a piece of shit, but at least give me some credit."

I run my hand across my scalp, my thoughts a whirlwind, my heart raging in my chest. There's nothing I'd like more than to go wrap myself around her upstairs, but she needs the rest.

"She leaves in five days," I say, glancing up at the stairs. "That's no time at all."

"Ask her not to," Colt replies, watching me carefully.

"She has a whole life back in Florida," I point out. "She'll say no."

"Then don't let her say no," he responds, as if that's the simplest answer in the world.

I scowl at him. Of the four of us, Colt has always straddled the line between good and bad. He skirted too close to the dark side when he wore a badge. Sometimes, I forget that until moments like these.

"If she wants to leave, she can," I tell him, but it sounds like a threat. "We can't be a cage."

He grins. "What you call a cage is freedom to some people." He pats me on the back and moves toward the stairs. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go cuddle the woman I may just beg not to leave." He winks. "Or demand she doesn't."

I stare after him, worry needling my inside. "Whatever you say, man," I reply, but part of me thinks I need to watch closer.

Part of me worries we're all getting in just a little too deep, and if we're not careful, we'll drag Fable down with us when we fall.