Biting her lip, she looked at her best friend. “He’s talking about having me moved from here to live with him.”
“What? Live with Killer at the club? I’ve told him to start looking for a place to stay. There’s no way you’re staying at the clubhouse with all that shit going on. You’re still a virgin, right?”
Her cheeks felt on fire. “Yes, I’m still a virgin. I’m not talking about Killer. This is all coming from Michael.”
“He can’t take you away.”
“Not yet. I’m in too delicate a condition.” Kelsey rolled her eyes. “He’s feeding me now, too. I’ve spent more time in his company in the last day than I have in the entire time we’ve been married.” She laughed then stopped feeling close to losing it.
“You’re not alone anymore. Do you want me to call your family?”
“No, don’t call them. They’ll make everything worse. Please, promise me you won’t call them.”
Tate held her hands up. “I won’t call them. Consider them off the list of people to call.”
Relaxing, Kelsey closed her eyes trying to get her breathing under control.
“You lied about having the perfect family,” Tate said.
“If you knew my parents you’d feel the same. No one needs to know a sorry sob story.”
“I could hit you right now. We’re friends, Kels. Best friends. I tell you about everything. Shit, we’ve almost died together. You mean far more to me than anyone else.” Tate stood up, hugging her close.
Tears filled Kelsey’s eyes at the emotion in Tate’s voice. “I’m sorry.”
“Stop saying that. We all love you, Kels. No more trying to kill yourself, do you hear?” Tate asked, glaring down at her.
“I’ve got the message loud and clear. I’d hug you, but I’m not allowed to. I’m being held back.” She tried to make a joke, but it fell flat in the room.
“Sandy will take care of everything, honey. I’m going to try and get here more and more.”
“What about Simon? He needs you.”
“I’m devoting my time between the two. You’re important to me, and I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t divide my time. You were there for me when I needed you.” Tate stood up, looking around. “This room sucks. I’m not surprised if you want to kill yourself. This room makes me want to commit suicide. It’s so depressing.”
Kelsey watched from the bed as she walked over to the window.
“It’s too hot outside for you not to enjoy the fresh air.” She pulled the chair along behind her, climbed up and opened the window.
The moment the window opened Kelsey felt the blast of warm air across her face. Closing her eyes she breathed out a sigh.
“How does that feel?” Tate asked.
“Perfect. It feels perfect. I love it.”
“See, you’re already smiling, and it has nothing to do with your fancy-pants husband. It’s all down to me.” Tate giggled. “Right, I think a television is needed or at the very least some books. Sandy will make sure you can hold them, but you’ve got to promise not to cause any more problems.”
“I won’t cause problems, Tate. I’ve learned my lesson.”
Smiling, Kelsey watched her friend grow animated at making her life more comfortable.
The moment the door opened showing Michael the smile on her face dropped. He’d come to take her friend away.
“Your time is up.”
Tate huffed, putting a hand on her hip. “I made her smile. I’m doing much better than you. What have you managed to accomplish? All you’ve done is make her feel sucky.”
Michael didn’t say anything. He stood waiting for her friend to leave. Tate blew out a breath. “Fine, fine, I’m going.” She walked to the bed staring down at her. “I’ll get everything changed to make your stay more comfortable. Don’t let him get to you. We all love and miss you.” Tate leaned down, kissing her cheek. “I’ll tell Killer how you’re feeling.”
“Please do.”
She watched her friend go. When the door closed and Michael took a seat, Kelsey wished with all of her might she could get away from him.
Chapter Eight
Three days later
Killer waited in the hospital waiting room again. Tate had disappeared to go and see their woman. Michael was on the phone out in the parking lot. In the last three days they hadn’t found anything else out about him. Alex was convinced by how little they found out about the financials that Michael wasn’t all he seemed. He was staying out of Fort Wills at an expensive hotel, which was heavily guarded with a lot of muscle.