Final Debt (Indebted #6)(60)

I snorted. “Did you love Kes when you shot him? Or Daniel when you let him grow up believing he was an unwanted mistake?”

Cut froze. “What do you know about that?”

Unwittingly, I handed weight to my previous lie. “I told you. We shared the night together. He shared a little of his past. He opened up to me because I gave him what he needed.”

Jethro didn’t move on the floor.

For the first time, Cut paused. His eyes narrowed as his brain mulled over my answer. He looked unsure…contemplating it might be the truth, after all.

I doubted he would ever find Daniel’s remains. I might get away with his murder, all thanks to a hunting party of lionesses.

I never knew nature can be such a competent alias.

“Regardless, when Daniel is found, I’ll learn the truth and shall decide on your punishment.” Cut dried his hands and ran both through his white hair. “Now the Fourth Debt has been paid, it’s time for us to depart.”

Striding across the cave, he squatted by Jethro and swatted his son’s dirty cheek. “Make yourself at home. I’ll give the staff instructions to release you once we’ve been at Hawksridge for a few days and there’s no way for you to interfere.” Standing, he smiled at me. “All you have to do, Nila, is get through security with my diamonds still in your possession and your lover will remain alive. That’s not too much to ask, is it?”

I slid off the chair, wobbling a little with vertigo and residual pain.

Moving toward Jethro, I ached to hug him, kiss him, tell him I loved him and always would. But Cut stopped me half way, planting a stern hand on my breastbone. “No. Say your goodbyes from a distance.”

I shook my head. “Why can’t I touch him? What harm can it do?”

Cut clenched his jaw. “More harm than I’d like.”

“You know I have no weapons to give him.” My temper surged. “You know I have a broken arm and am suffering a serious case of shock. Let me say a proper goodbye. You owe me that.”

Cut breathed hard, preventing my path. But slowly, he nodded. “Fine.”

The minute he’d cleared my trajectory, I rushed forward and landed on my knees. My good hand tugged at the awful duct tape around Jethro’s mouth. “Breathe.” That was all the warning I gave him.

With a quick rip, I tore the stickiness away from his five o’ clock shadow and yanked out the disgusting gag.

He hacked and spluttered, sucking in a noisy breath.

Cut stomped forward, towering over me. “Nila f*cking Weaver—”

I glared at him, balling the sodden gag and throwing it at his face. My left arm never had strong coordination, and the toss ended up soaring past his cheek. “He can barely breathe. Shut up! Letting him talk won’t change things, you monster.”

“Needle—” Jethro coughed, spittle landing on his chin.

Needle.

The name I’d asked him to call me so many months ago when I didn’t know he was Kite007. Tears sprang to my eyes. “I’m here.”

I wished I could sit him upright, but he’d broken the chair and without cutting the ropes, I couldn’t help him.

God, I hate this. All of this.

Jethro smiled, grimacing with pain. “Fuck, Nila, I’m—”

I placed a shaking finger over his dried lips. “Don’t. I know.”

We shared an endless look, weighted with past and present. The unsaid words sank into my soul like a heavy anchor, lodging itself in my heart forever.

Bending over him, I brushed my lips against his temple. His bloody temple from the car crash. How badly was he injured? His forehead still burned from his fever and the gunshot wound on his side hadn’t scabbed.

He needs help. And fast.

Glancing at Cut, I begged, “Please, bring him with us. He needs a doctor.”

Cut crossed his arms. “He’ll stay here until I say.”

“But—”

“No f*cking buts.” Holding out his hand, Cut snapped, “You’ve said goodbye. Time to go.”

“No!”

Cut towered higher. “The longer you deny what will happen—regardless of your willingness—the longer Jethro has to go without medical help.” He cocked his head. “Does that encourage you now? Knowing you have the power to get him much-needed attention by behaving?”

I hated I had the power to save the man I loved by obeying the man I hated.

Gritting my teeth, I looked down at Jethro one last time. “I have to go.”

He shook his head, his lungs rattling and wet. “No.”

“I love you, Kite.”

His eyes glossed with fear. “Nila…don’t. This isn’t the end. I don’t care what he says. I’m coming after you. I’ll stop the Final Debt. I promise.” He shook hard in his binds. “I f*cking promise, I’ll stop it. You’re mine. I won’t let the Debt Inheritance have you. I won’t!”

His pouring unhappiness and despair cracked my heart. I couldn’t let him drain himself of whatever reserves he had left. Cupping his cheek with my good hand, I guided his face to mine.

I never closed my eyes and neither did he as I kissed him.

His lips parted, his tongue threaded with mine, and we agreed he would fight for me. He would chase me. And who knew, maybe he would save me one last time.