Yet every time Kane comes home, the words vanish.
But perhaps tonight will be different.
A ping from his wristlink jolts Rafael. He glances down at the message.
[HOPE SHREVEPORT QUIETS DOWN SOON. IDRIS WANTS TO COME WITH ME TO VISIT. TELL KANE HE BETTER PROTECT YOU…OR I’LL KICK HIS ASS MYSELF.]
A smile tugs at his lips.
Maria’s been his only constant since moving out. Lian wouldn’t even speak to him when he packed up his apartment with Wren and Echo. She stood with her arms crossed, watching while they shoved his entire life into Coda’s transportdrones.
He swipes the display to reply when a beep echoes from the door.
His heart stutters.
Kane’s warnings crash into his mind. “Stay away from windows. Always check the security panel before opening. Arm yourself if you have to.”
Another beep, followed by a monotone robotic voice.
“Security overridden.”
Rafael starts shaking.
Coda warned him this could happen. There are others out there. Older techies who are unaligned.
He bolts for the weapons cache at the foot of the bed, fumbling with the lock until his fingers close on the glock inside. Prior to meeting Kane, Rafael had never seen a gun up close. Until Viper’s betrayal, he never had a reason to.
The door hisses, panel sliding into the wall. He rises high enough to aim at the entrance while his pulse thuds in his ears.
A figure steps through, and all the air leaves his lungs.
Kane.
Just Kane.
His grip loosens on the gun.
Only Kane stumbles inside. One hand is pressed below his neck while the other clutches his visor.
Rafael drops the gun and surges forward. “Kane! What happened? How bad is it?” Every worst-case scenario plays in his head. “Why didn’t Dr. Hayashi or her assistant treat you?”
He waves Rafael off, shuffling past the kitchen toward the couch. “Tried to take back District Three. Bad intel screwed the plan.” Kane shrugs. “Took a hit from a dying pulse arrow.Nothing serious. Didn’t see the point in wasting their time on me when there were others worse off.”
Despite his claims, Kane’s breathing is ragged. He sinks into the sofa with a grunt, weapons clattering to the floor.
Rafael is already moving, dashing into the kitchen. He yanks the medkit from the cupboard and rushes over to kneel at Kane’s feet.
Their gazes lock. Kane’s brows knit together, mouth opening.
“I’m sorry, Kane,” Rafael says before he can. “I can’t just sit here and watch. Please—let me help.” More questions press against his throat. He swallows them. Not right now.
Kane’s lips curve into a half-smile.
“You’re not taking no for an answer, are you?”
A huff escapes Kane.
“All right. You win.” He leans back, wincing as his shoulder hits the cushion.