𝐒𝐡𝐞'𝐬 𝐌𝐲 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧

/38./

TIANA

"How do you feel?" I asked Rick who was now wide awake after hours. He didn't look to bad in my opinion.

Doctor says he will need to take it easy the next couple of weeks. He was lucky that the knife was far from a serious muscle.

"I feel tired. Where's Eva?"

I tensed up, not knowing how I should say this. I know how much Rick cares for Eva. It's all over his face and I'm unsure how he'd react to the knowledge of her true identity.

Especially Carter.

I will admit and say that I am taking by surprise but Eva has genuine feelings for everyone. She's been here longer than me and I don't know how everyone was set up before I came into the picture and Carter and I became something more.

I am disappointed that she kept it from us all for so long and especially with what's going on right now.

I don't want anything to happen to Eva and I was going to make sure of it. I needed to know her side as well as everyone else.

"She's uh..." I trailed off. I blew out a breath before sucking up my emotions and just coming out and telling him the truth. It was no point of holding it and things were getting more heavy now that Cartron was soon closing in. "Eva's not who she really is."

He frowns, confusion crossing his face. "What are you talking about, Queen?"

"She's a...she's a cop. Has been the entire time." I say, watching him carefully.

He was quiet for a long minute before asking,"How do you know that?"

"She told me right after some man acted as if he knew me on a personal level. She came clean but my guard took her away until I know how to handle this."

He inhaled before exhaling loudly. "You won't be able to, Queen. No disrespect intended." He looks down at his clench fist.

My brows furrowed together. "And why not?"

"The Boss has a certain way to handle things like this, Queen. It's been that way for years now and there's no changing it."

"Do you mean..." I trailed my question off, my mind thinking of quick possible death of a sweet person.

He gave a short nod, knowing what I meant.

"That won't happen to her. I'll talk to Carter and we can make-"

"There's no change." He says up slowly. He cursed and I thought I heard him mutter Eva's name.

"Don't you care what happens to her?"

His eyes lifted, finding mine. "Why should I? She lied about her identity and knew the consequences of what was to come. She's done this to herself."

This wasn't Rick. As I looked at him as he talked, I could see the familiar emotions. Hurt, anger, pain, betrayal.

I think it was best that I took my leave and let him think. I know the identity of who Eva really is, is a shocker but, I don't think she should be thrown under the bus with the snap of a finger.

"I will let Carter know that you are alright and well." I stood from my chair and reached over, grabbing his hand, gaining his attention.

His eyes were red and I was surprised. Out of all the men I knew to cry, Rick was not on the list. He was holding back tears. He cared deeply. Possibly even love.

Rick was like another brother to me despite his skin tone and rank. He's had my back and I am going to do the same.

I did the best thing I could do as of this moment. I hugged him.