Page 3 of Dissolving Prejudice

“He’s going to be in surgery for a couple more hours, but I can’t stay.” He tsked before mumbling something about the fuckers who’d made a move on his head today. “Gale’s going to be busy, so you’re staying here until I know he’s out of danger.”

My eyes widened before my brows pulled into a deep frown. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“But—”

Dion shut me off with a harsh look, one I hardly ever saw on his face.

“I can’t stay here. You know they’ll come,” I said, referring to my family—the family I’d left behind four years ago.

“Well, it’s about time for a family reunion. Non?” He tilted his head to the side while studying me carefully. A half smile then took over his lips before he rested his hand on my shoulder. “You saved my life today, Diesel; therefore, I’ve decided you’re free to leave.”

Shocked by his words, I narrowed my eyes at him, and he chuckled.

“Don’t be so suspicious. For once, I’m being sincere.”

“What’s with the sudden generosity?” I hissed, careful with my tone. “I’ve still got one more year left.”

“True, but I guess saving my life is worth a year, right?”

This was coming out of nowhere, and while there was nothing I wanted more than to be done with this life, it was hard to believe it would be that simple. Therefore, it wasn’t excitement coursing through me but sickening suspicion.

“I guess we’ll need to work some of the details out, but in a few weeks, consider your debt settled,” he said, looking actually genuine.

“What about Oro?” I asked, not even sure why.

“What about him?”

“He’ll be upset.”

Dion snorted.

“You think I care about some whore’s emotions?” He dropped his hand from around me and checked his phone. “I need to go, but be sure to wait here until he’s out of surgery.”

Dion left me to stand alone and began walking down the hall. The farther he went, the deeper my realization sank, and I ground my jaw before stepping forward.

“If you’re fooling me, I will kill you,” I shouted at him, my eyes focused on his back.

Dion didn’t bother to turn around, his shoulders moving as he snorted. “I wouldn’t expect any less from a hound.”

Once he was gone and I was left alone, I turned and leaned my back against the wall. Rubbing the bridge of my nose, I exhaled slowly. To say what I felt was relief would be a lie, considering my whole body was on fire. Whether it was the adrenaline from the shooting earlier, the conversation I’d just had with Dion, or the fact I’d probably have to face my past soon, my head was an utter mess.

Checking myself over, I found I was still covered with blood. My heart raced a bit faster, and my skin ran cold as an unsettling feeling took over me. This wasn’t the first time I’d felt this way, like I was a second away from passing out, but not wanting to dive deeper into this shit, which I knew was only getting worse and more frequent, I quickly walked to the bathroom to wash off the blood. After trying to wash my shirt for a couple of minutes, I realized it was in vain and decided to stick with my tank top. I then moved to scrub my hands, but no matter how much soap I used, they still felt dirty. So fucking dirty. Biting my lip, I closed my eyes and tried to distract myself. Soft strands of golden hair, dreamy blue eyes that captured the universe inside, and the sweetest lips brushing against my ear as he whispered words of love. Shay-Lee’s memory was the only thing that kept me sane and almost always helped me to calm down.

Almost.

Knowing that no amount of holy water would ever help me feel clean again, I closed the tap and got out of the bathroom. With my wet shirt tossed over my shoulder, I walked back to the waiting room, but as I reached it, I saw I was no longer alone. Standing with their backs to me were Andrei and Chief.

Chief was talking to a doctor with Andrei right beside him. From behind, one could mistake them for brothers, and it only now occurred to me how alike they always were. Longing pierced me like a knife as I didn’t realize how much I’d missed them up until this moment, but those emotions were quickly replaced with shame when Andrei turned around and our eyes met.

The absolute shock on his face, which had matured, formed a lump in my throat, and feeling like an idiot for just standing there, I shot him a head nod. It was probably the wrong thing to do because Andrei’s expression turned into anger before he smacked Chief’s arm for attention. Turning around from the doctor, Chief latched his gaze onto me, and the same as Andrei, he seemed shocked. Although it was hard to say with how red and teary his eyes were.

Well, his husband is in fucking surgery after getting shot in the stomach.

“Is this some kind of a joke?” Andrei hissed when Chief grabbed his arm.

“Andrei—”