LOREN
Jude looked at me, and I panicked, not expecting him to ask that. “Um, well, you see.” I stopped, turning to look at my friends. Cami snickered into her hand, and I caught sight of something she’d been hiding. I’d like to say I was ashamed of my behavior that followed, but, well, it worked to move the spotlight.
Pointing, I drew everyone’s attention to her. “Cami got engaged and didn’t tell anyone!” Okay, so it wasn’t my finest moment.
Nat and Beau had been walking out of the room but stopped at my words. Nat turned, her eyes zeroing in on Cami.
“What the fuck! Seriously? You guys could’ve given me more notice. Now this one,” she pointed over her shoulder, “will double down even harder to seal the deal. Some friends you guys are!” she huffed, stalking out of the room. Beau appeared dazed for a moment before smiling. He nodded and then chased after Nat.
“Well,” I said, crossing my arms to hide my ring. “Are you?” I asked.
Cami held my stare, not an ounce of shame on her face. “As a matter of fact, I am. To Lark and Seb. They asked me a few days ago, but with everything.” She shrugged, her eyes dropping down at Malek and then Jude. I understood her meaning.
Before we could go into more details, the doctor who’d stitched me up was ushered into the room. He looked around at the three men, unsure who to start on first. Monroe stepped in, pointing out the injuries we knew.
“Gunshot. The bullet was removed and stapled while in transport,” he said, pointing to Malek. “Malnutrition, a few cuts, and bruises.” Pointing to Jude and then to Sax. “Two bullet wounds, both appear to be grazes in the leg and arm. Possible stab wound on the thigh.”
The doctor sighed, going to Malek, who was still passed out. I kept going back and forth between Sax and Jude, unsure who needed me the most. The doctor started working, but he looked over his shoulder when we all stayed and watched, catching Atticus’ attention.
“Perhaps you could get some rooms ready for the three men? It would be easier to work without the audience.”
“Of course.” He nodded, looking to those of us who weren’t injured. “Nicco, take Goldie and find a room for Malek. Imogen, go with Cami to ensure the spare room has everything he’ll need, along with Sax’s and Jude’s. If you see any men up there, have them come down to help us transport them, or see if there’s a gurney in storage or something.”
“On it,” Nicco said, jumping up to take Monroe with him, the girls following.
Atticus looked at me and Wells, indecision in his eyes. “I’ll take Wells to make sure their rooms are clean.” I kissed his cheek, knowing he was struggling with this but appreciating the effort he was making.
“We’re still going to talk about this, Lor,” Jude said, raising his eyebrow.
“Absolutely, kiddo.” I kissed his cheek, brushing his hair back a little. The tears came to my eyes, and it was only Wells nudging me that had me leaving.
I took his hand as we made our way to the elevator. I knew this was a busy task, but it felt important, so I’d do it even if everything in me wanted to be back in the living room. But I knew that Doc would work better without everyone glaring at him.
Sighing, I leaned back against the elevator, the weight of the past few days finally catching up to me. Wells pulled me against his side, and I went willingly. He kissed my head, melting my heart some.
“I’m glad the kid is back,” he said.
“Me too.”
“Do you regret it now?” he asked, not letting me break his hold.
“Nope. I wish our family could’ve been there, but they will when we have the ceremony with everyone. I know it was rushed and not what any of us had planned, but I love you all. I’m happy with the results. You?”
I tried to peer up at him, but his arm around me tightened. The elevator's ding sounded, and I waited for him to move, but he stayed.
“Wells?”
“No, Kitten, I don’t regret it. You’re the best thing that ever happened to me, even if it started with me getting kicked in the nuts. I just didn’t want you to feel like you were trapped.”
“Never. This is beyond anything I could’ve dreamed.”
“Good.”
He finally let me go, and we walked forward, heading to Sax’s room first. It was clean, so I pulled the covers back, getting the side of the bed ready for him. I pulled out some different clothes, laying them on the foot of the bed. Feeling satisfied, I took Wells' hand and walked back to the elevator. He’d stayed back, watching me the whole time, and I assumed he didn’t feel right touching Sax’s things.
The elevator dinged right away, and we stepped in to go to the floor Jude was on. It didn’t escape me that it was a separate one from not only the guys but also Imogen. Atticus had another thing coming if he thought a measly floor would stop them if they wanted to have sex. I didn’t think they were there yet, but watching Atticus try to prevent it was funny. Silly man.
When we stepped into Jude’s room, I found Imogen sitting on the bed, holding his sweatshirt, crying softly. Wells saw her tears and motioned he’d be out in the hall. I nodded, laughing at his fear of a teenage girl crying, knowing it would be better anyway.