My foggy mind accepted this, although, I felt like I should probably protest or ask more questions, but I just didn’t have the strength.
"I’ll take her ho," Mack argued.
"I’ll take a cab," I countered.
"I will take you," Knight said. "Don’t fuckin’ push on this, Kimmie."
I glanced at Mack and then at Knight. Sothing passed between them, but I wasn’t sure what.
" or Knight, babe," Mack said. "But no cab."
Knight was certainly the lesser of two evils, considering the fact I’d probably get a lecture from Mack if I was his captive audience. I wrinkled my nose and sighed. "Knight."
Mack nodded and rose to his feet. "I’ll leave you to change." Knight stepped back to give Mack room who scowled up at him. "Out."
"I’m not leavin’," Knight said. "I’ll turn my back, but I’m not leavin’ her."
"Get the fuck out, Knight," Mack ordered.
"Fuck off."
"It’s fine, Mack," I said. "Just let him do his thing."
Knight had clearly gone into protection mode, and if Mack got in the way, there’d be a major issue. Mack swore again, but did as I asked.
"Pull those pants on first, then I’ll take care of the cut." Knight closed the door and studied . "You need so help?"
I shook my head and he turned around.
"Why are you so mad at Mack?" I asked as I gingerly pulled on the oversized pants over my torn dress, tightening the string until the fabric buckled over. They were still too big for , but I was pretty sure they’d stay up.
"He should have made sure you were okay. He should have made you wait here until I could co... or forced you into a cab."
"Knight, he tried to get to take a cab. This is my fault."
"None of it’s your fuckin’ fault, Kim," he countered.
"Please don’t be mad at him," I whispered. I really couldn’t handle having two of my favorite people at odds with one another.
He sighed. "Sugar, it won’t last forever."
"Okay." I took a deep breath. "I’m ready."
Knight faced again, his expression softening. "You need to wait for Katie?"
"I trust you." I let the sleeping bag fall to my waist and gasped as the fabric skimd the cut.
"Okay, honey, this is gonna sting a bit, but I don’t think it needs stitches." He smiled, reaching over to stroke my cheek gently. "Ready?"
I nodded and he cleaned the wound and laid dicated gauze over my breast. It was so quick, I barely had ti to react to the pain, and whatever ointnt he’d put on the gauze eased the throb, so I couldn’t help but relax.
"Okay?"
I smiled. "Much better."
"Good. Let’s get that sweatshirt on."
He helped slide the soft fleece over my head and dressed as gently as a child. As though he cherished . I blinked back tears and dropped my head.
"Take it easy, sugar, I got you."
He pulled up off the sofa and I couldn’t help but slip my arms around his waist and close my eyes. Even if it was just for a second.
"We’ll just stay here for a bit." Knight gently cradled my head and pulled closer.
I don’t know if it was the head injury or the fact I was in the arms of the man I’d never have, but I couldn’t stop crying. Knight held , kissing the top of my head gently, but otherwise just letting work everything out against his chest. When I felt I could let him go, I stepped back.
Katie walked in a few seconds later. "Hey, Kim," she said gently.
"Hi Katie."
"I’m just going to check you over a bit, okay?"
I nodded and Knight guided back onto the sofa. Katie took vitals and then took blood. I still wasn’t sure why.
"I think you’ll be fine in a few hours. Rest is the key, but don’t sleep. It’s highly probable you have a concussion," she said. "If you’re not feeling well in the morning, you should call the doctor."
"Okay," I whispered.
"Let’s get you ho, huh?" Knight said.
I nodded and followed him out of the room. I was moving a little slower than normal, but he didn’t complain, just gave the space I needed, hovering without being obnoxious about it. God, I loved him. So stupid and so misguided.
"Why don’t you just grab a cab?" I suggested. "I can’t ride like this."
Knight smirked.
"Knight," I breathed out. "This is stupid; I can take care of myself. Just call a cab."
I swayed a bit, belying my confidence and Knight wrapped an arm around my waist to steady . "Babe, you’re not fuckin’ gettin’ in a cab," he said. "I got the keys to Mack’s car, so we’re all good."
"What about your bike?"
"I’ll get it later."
I huffed, but took the comfort he offered. Knight helped into Mack’s BMW, handling with the utmost care, which sent into a tailspin of emotional ping-pong. If I could just keep it together until he dropped off, I’d be all good.
"Kimmie?"
I rolled my head toward him. "Hmm?"
"Seatbelt, babe," Knight ordered as he started the car.
I bit the inside of my lip to keep from groaning as I dragged the belt across my extrely sore chest. Knight pulled away from Blush and toward my condo in the Pearl and I stayed as quiet as possible. Having him so close to set my body on fire and my nerves on edge.
We pulled into the parking garage of my building and I fought back the desire to ask him just how he knew the code to the gate. Mack must have told him, because Dani sure as hell wouldn’t have. A guest spot was open two down from my car, so Knight pulled in and shut off the engine.
"Thanks for the ride," I said, releasing my belt.
He grinned. "I’m comin’ up, Kim."
"No, you’re not."
He rolled his eyes and slid out of the car.
I followed and t him at the trunk. "I’m serious."
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