Page 46 of Requiem
“I need you to get better,” I blurt.
His brows pull together. “Is Alexei looking for me?”
I hesitate. “Yes,” I admit. “He’s threatening to release files on you. And getting Vlad involved.”
That gets his attention. “Do you think he’s going to find us?” he asks.
“I don’t know,” I say honestly. “I don’t think so. Rafe has this place locked down.”
“Who even is that? The fucker shot me, and I’ve barely seen him around.”
“From what I gather,” I say, managing a faint, tired exhale, “he’s Rook’s cousin’s boss.”
He nods once, but no further questions. He leans back against the wall, shifting the blankets off his legs. He’s just in shorts. No shirt.
“They’re trying to help you,” I add quietly.
“Yeah.”
My heart clenches as I let a silent minute pass. “Thank you, Jude.”
He tilts his head.
“For telling them to save me, too. You didn’t have to do that.”
“I know.”
A tear slips down my cheek before I can stop it. “You shouldn’t have,” I whisper.
His eyes study my face. “I know that, too.”
“I’m grateful, though.” Even though it isn’t true. Even though some part of me wishes that Erik’s bullet had struck my heart. I swallow it down. “Jude?” I say softly.
His eyes meet mine again.
I open my mouth, then close it. The truth is right there, but it doesn’t belong here. It’s not my place. It never was. “Get better,” I say instead, quieter. “Okay?”
“I’m working on it.”
“Try harder,” I whisper. “We’re going to need you.Sheis.”
His expression tightens slightly.
“We’re going to need the weapon Alexei made,” I add. “Because we’re going to use it to kill him.”
His eyes darken, knowing precisely what I mean.
I hesitate at the door, my hand curling around the handle. “She’s strong,” I say. “Emma. She’s fighting for you.”
His head tilts, eyes studying my face.
“She loves you.”
I love you.
I shake my head. “I just…” I force my voice steady. “Reallytrywith her. Don’t give up because shenevergave up on you.”
His gaze stays on me.
