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Silence

My heart thundered against my ribs

"Jethro?"

A hitch sounded insorry"

I melted "I know But it’s not your fault"

"I’ll ether"

"I wish I could hold you Kiss you My arms are empty without you"

I felt that sa ive anything to be with you"

Both of us fell quiet What was there to say e couldn’t talk about e needed? What words could offer solace when only pain awaited?

"How long?" I finally whispered "How " Jethro sighed "They said three weeks, but I’ It’s already been too much I refuse to leave you there another hour h I didn’t believe hiht he’d be here in tiht

But there was soout I didn’t knohere the countdown beast had co louder and louder

Jas Daniel knew it Bonnie knew it I knew it

My life was quickly running out

Hurry, Jethro

Hurry…

Before it’s too late…

NINETEEN HOURS SINCE I’d spoken to Nila

I’d waited until nightfall to ain; I’d al that’d keptathrob in my side

I was better, but I wasn’t one hundred percent

Not that I needed to be completely whole to destroy my father but I wouldn’t be stupid this tihtly check-up and disgusting hospital dinner, it was safe to ht

Unknown Nuain I want to touch you--even if ither delicious voice last night had turned e It felt as if I was the one with a guillotine blade over my head--punished by the desire to protect and love her

My cock hadn’t softened all night but I’d refused to satisfy myself

I wanted to wait for Nila

We can offer each other a small measure of coranted a sive it a shot

My heart fisted

Nila’s es were so selfless So concerned about Kes and me She barely spoke of herself, no ht, when I’d talked to her, only confirmed my suspicions She’d deflected a lot of her replies And I fucking hated it