“Like you trusted Kenton?” I shoot back.
My father shifts uncomfortably. “Well, looks like there won’t be a merger between the Bradys and Callaghans. We could have done something out here in California.”
“Not likely. You got burned on someone else’s turf. You’re better off in Boston.”
“Guess I have no choice now, but what’s going to happen to you?”
“I want to stay in California.”
“What about Notre Dame?”
“I’m done. If I want to go to college, I’ll try UC Merced.”
My father doesn’t look happy, but I’m no longer the little girl trying to appease her father for a grain of affection. But I am grateful that he made an attempt to give up the laptop for me, even though it’s the least a loving father could have done.
“Thanks for doing the exchange,” I say.
My father releases a breath and mumbles, “I…I’m sorry about what happened.”
I stare at him. My father hasneverapologized to me before.
The door opens. Andy and a doctor walk in.
“Hi, I’m Doctor Chen,” the woman says. “I’m just going to check your vitals.”
Andy says to my father, “Two of my guys will take you home now. Your flight back to Boston is booked for tomorrow.”
My father looks at me. I don’t think the two of us will ever have a close and loving relationship, but I’m okay with that. He’s going to let me live my own life—he has no choice, really—and that’s all I want for now.
“I’d take a break from the Mob if I were you,” I say. “Maybe a permanent break.”
He nods. “Not bad advice. Bye, Casey.”
After my father leaves, the doctor examines me and clears me. I hop out of bed immediately, then look down at my hospital gown. I wish I had something nicer on, but I just want to see Kai as soon as possible.
Andy leads me to Kai’s room down the hall. Turns out we’re not actually at any legitimate hospital but a facility run by theJing San.
Inside Kai’s room stands Tao and another guy. Tao and I exchange glances. I blush. I’m pretty sure we were naked together on the boat while he was trying to warm up my body with his. Hell, he was probably one of the guys in the gangbang.
Pushing away my initial embarrassment, I grin at him. “Hey, Tao. Thanks for saving me from hypothermia.”
He grins back. “Anytime.”
“Like hell he will,” says Kai as he steps forward.
I drink in the sight of Kai, looking as hot as ever. He has on a loose tank, bandages around his arm, and sweatpants. I wonder if he’s commando under those pants.
Kai nods at the door to his men. They file out of the room, leaving the two of us alone.
Suddenly, I feel shy. I don’t think I’ve ever felt shy in front of Kai before.
I look at his arm. “How badly did you get shot?”
“I’m fine.”
He got shot for me. Or maybe for that laptop. But given that he opted to save me instead of going after Kenton, I’m guessing not so much the laptop.
“So what happens now?” I ask.