“You beat him into a pulp. That’s not enough?”
“He went behind my back,” Colt said again.
“I get it. You feel betrayed. But this isn’t about you.”
“You’re right.” He slowly stood up. “This is about the Blue Angels and brotherhood.”
“Did he fight back?” I pressed. “Did Zip defend himself? Or did he know he did wrong and he was willing to let you knock a few teeth loose so you didn’t lose face?”
“I’m pissed as hell at him,” Colt growled.
“But you still trust him, right? He made an honest woman out of your sister. Whatever was going on between them under your nose or behind your back, the end result is good. They’re together, they’re committed, and Zip doesn’t want any bad blood between you two.”
“I need a fucking pain killer,” he muttered.
“I’ll get you one.”
I helped him into bed and then grabbed him a pill and a glass of water.
“Why are you awake?” he asked, settling back against the pillows.
I took the cup of water and set it on the bedside table. “Youwoke me up.”
“You weren’t sleeping here. So how did you hear me?”
“I was in the basement with Silas. Your voice carries, you know.”
He grinned. It was lazy and sleepy. “After a fight I usually like a good fuck. All the adrenaline. But damn, I’m just wiped out.”
“Yeah, it’s called healing from a bullet wound.” I leaned over and brushed my lips against his. His hand came up to grasp the back of my head.
“What if you get on top?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I pulled back, but Colt’s grip on my wrist stopped me.
His eyes were dark, hazy with pain meds and lust. “You need a good fuck too, Mia.”
“Why?”
“To remember that you’re still alive.”
I swallowed. “I’m not—I’m not ready, Colt.”
“All right, darlin’.” His eyes were drifting closed. “Just sleep next to me. That’s enough for tonight.”
“What the fuck happened to you?” Boxer asked the next morning when Zip came into the kitchen.
“Colt,” Zip said. “For Joni.”
Brothers sat on the couch and recliners, some held up the walls, eating breakfast. Colt hadn’t yet made an appearance—it was slow moving for him. All eyes turned to Zip, waiting for him to explain.
“Joni’s my Old Lady now.”
“When the fuck did this happen?” Reap asked in surprise.
“Last night, I guess.” Zip shrugged. He ambled to the coffee maker to pour himself a cup.
The bedroom door opened and a moment later, Colt appeared.