Page 61 of Bones

“And Natalia’s mother?” I press, already knowing the answer.

“We don’t know who her dad is, and as identical twins, I don’t think we can even find that out if we wanted to. But we decided it didn’t matter anyway. What’s his is mine, and what’s mine is his,” he replies, his lips suddenly curving up into a grin. “I think the only line we’ve drawn is for you and Isla.

The line is there for me, but I think it was more of a squiggle for Isla.

He grabs his phone and mutters a curse. “I’ve got twenty missed calls and eight texts from him. Are you going to put him out of his misery? He’s about to beat the shit out of Blade. I told him not to tell Bones where you are.”

“Does he know that you’re here?” I ask, and he nods.

“Yeah, I told him I’d make sure you’re safe. There’s mafia all through this territory, and I don’t want to have to deal with Alexei Sokolov if I don’t have to.”

Grabbing my phone, I read through the messages he sent me.

Bones

Baby, where did you go? I know you hate me right now, but I’m worried.

Bones

Where are you? Call me back, please.

Bones

Blade won’t fucking tell me where you are. But my brother is going to come out there. I don’t like it. I know you want space. Please let me know you’re okay.

Bones

I love you, Doc. SO fucking much. I’m sorry, I should have told you.

After reading through all of them, I send one back.

Meredith

I’m fine. Skull is here. Stop messaging me.

“Come on, have a shower and get dressed. I’ll take you out for something to eat,” Skull orders, his tone brooking no argument. “Isla told me there’s a place down the road that does a boozy brunch. Whatever the fuck that is.”

A slow, spreading smile takes over my face.

My day is suddenly looking up.

So I get my ass into the shower.

BONES

I’m lying on my stomach on the floor, and Ghost is sitting on my back, pinning my arms behind me.

You’re probably wondering how I got into this situation, but it all started when Blade, that traitorous fuck, wouldn’t tell me where my fucking old lady is. I punched him, and now all my brothers are trying to talk me down.

“Skull is there with her! She’s fine, and you need to calm down, Bones. It’s not Blade’s fault you fucked things up with your old lady,” Prez growls. He’s sitting on the couch with his feet spread, elbows on his thighs, staring down at me with judgment.

“I should be there with her, not my fucking brother!” I growl, but Prez smirks.

“She doesn’t want you there, and you’re going to give her what she wants for right now. Space isn’t a bad thing. You can think over what you’ve done wrong. Besides, she’s in Alexei’s territory, so we don’t need to make any waves.”

I don’t want to make any waves. I want my woman back. Skull being there with her does make me feel better, and I know he’ll try to butter her up a little more, but it should be me.

She’s mine, and I’m the one who fucked up. I want to fix things, make up with her, and I’m not going to be able to relax until I get the chance.