She doesn’t agree with me, either.
“Elise.”
She looks at me through her lashes. “Yes?”
“My head hurts.” I admit this in a conspiratorial tone, like it’s a joke. “Actually, everything hurts. Come back to Mason’s with me. I need you.”
That, at least, gets a smile out of her. It’s a small one.
I accept.
“I love you,” she whispers, then slides her arm around my waist to help me stand up from the wall. She stays at my side to steady me. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Let’s not look back. Our part of this is over. The feds will take it from here, and we’re going to let them.”
“Yes, we are.”
I almost—almost—believe her.
But not quite.
13
ELISE
I knewGabriel’s jump had done some damage. I knew he’d been badly hurt. The doctors and nurses talked about miracles at the hospital. It was a miracle he hadn’t cracked his skull. A miracle he hadn’t broken an arm or a leg. A miracle he didn’t seem to have any internal bleeding.
It was different when he was in the hospital with IV painkillers.
Those definitely sugarcoated things. You can hide a cake’s sins with creative frosting work, but there’s no hiding how much pain Gabriel’s in now.
Each slow, careful step reminds me of the way he moved at Lydia’s birthday party. He was quick. Graceful. Strong. I can still see those things, even with his pale face and the obvious strain in the rest of his body. He’s still the most gorgeous man.
When we get closer to Mason’s end of the hall, Mason puts his hand on the nearest agent’s shoulder and moves toward us in a worried rush.
“We’re okay.” Gabriel’s a foot taller than me, but we’re doing fine. “Mason, it’s—don’t let us interrupt, it’s—”
Mason’s one step away when Gabriel’s arm drops off my shoulders. Oh, God, he’s falling. I reach for his shirt but yank my hand back. His shirt won’t hold—
Thank God for Mason.
In the time it takes me to freak out about Gabriel’s shirt, he steps in close, one arm locking around Gabriel’s hips and the other going gently,gentlyaround Gabriel’s back. Mason balances him against his chest. I don’t know what to do. Gabriel’s head lolls onto his brother’s shoulder. I’ve never seen Gabriel like this with any of his siblings. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him hug one of them. I’m sure it’s happened, but he holds himself apart from them, too, doesn’t he? His clothes were armor to keep everyone out.
Everyone.
“Scott.” Mason calls for his driver, then glances at me. “I’ve got him, Elise. It’s okay.”
Mason’s driver jogs around the corner, takes in the situation, and moves around behind Gabriel.
“Floor,” Mason says. “I’m going toward you.”
It takes both of them to help Gabriel to the floor. Scott stays braced behind him even after he’s sitting. I crouch down on one side of him, and Mason takes the other.
Gabriel’s eyes are completely unfocused. He has red spots on his cheeks, and he just looks…out of it. My heart pounds. If I’d killed my father sooner, this wouldn’t be happening. He wouldn’t be hurt.
Mason puts one hand on Gabriel’s shoulder and pats his face with his free hand.
“Gabriel. Talk to me.” Gabriel blinks, but doesn’t look at Mason. “Gabe. Buddy. Tell me what’s happening.”