Wing of a Butterfly

Chapter 18

Ace parked in the driveway and took a deep breath before he stepped out of the car, reaching for the handle of the rear door before his charge could do it himself. He held back a grimace as he watched Vegas push his hand against his chest while trying to get out of his seat. He thought about leaning forward and helping him but during the last few years he learned that the younger man hated being weak before others and never accepted any help from anyone but from the small number of men that he considered his family.

He watched as the man straightened and started to walk towards the building slowly before slamming the car door behind him and going to the back of the vehicle to get out the duffel bag from the trunk that had Vegas' clothes from the hospital. The younger moved toward the guest quarters and stepped up to the deck next to the pool with a slight grimace before continuing to the building that housed their rooms. He was only just reaching the glass door when Porsche ran out of the front building, rushing towards him with a scowl on his face.

"What the fuck are you doing? Checking yourself out from the hospital while we were away?"

He stopped next to his friend and slid his arm around his waist to help him move, his touch gentle even though his tone was harsh. Vegas glanced back at Ace with a frown, clearly knowing how Porsche gained the information before he turned forward and waited for the door to be opened so he could step into the living room.

He huffed as Porsche leaned down and untied his shoes even though he could have simply just stepped out of them but let the man have his way, feeling grateful for it, even if he didn't show. Ace stepped around them and put the bag in his hand on the hardwood floor before nodding and walking away without a word.

"Did you get the files like we talked about it?" asked Vegas. He walked to the couch and sat down slowly.

"Even better, I finally got Kinn out of the compound so he can come and update you," said Porsche as he pulled out a pillow from behind his friend's back so Vegas didn't have to sit so rigidly.

"How is that better? I prefer reading the files," commented Vegas with a grimace.

The door opened again as his cousin entered, leaving his shoes at the entrance before walking closer, looking at Vegas strangely while carrying a tablet with him. Vegas could guess what that expression was about and contemplated for a moment to make the other try to make amends with him but in the end, he decided against it.

"Don't make that face. I had no intention of sacrificing myself for you or something like that." He rolled his eyes as he spoke.

"You stepped before the bulle." Kinn frowned at him like he couldn't believe that his cousin wasn't milking the situation.

"Yes, because I had a bulletproof vest and you are an idiot who thinks himself invincible."

"I see you feel better," commented Kinn as he walked closer.

"A week or two and we can all forget about this embarrassment," said Vegas as he held up his hand to take the tablet.

"A week or two of rest," added Porsche while he brought a bottle of water from the kitchen and put it on the sofa, not caring about how the condensation on the plastic soaked into the fabric. "No exercising, no sudden movements." He thought about it for a moment. "I'm bringing more pillows to your room too. The doctor said you need to sleep more upright for a few days."

"He also said that I shouldn't stay still or lay down for a long time," countered Vegas, looking proud. "So, no bedrest."

"You can sit in your armchair or on the couch and read and walk around every thirty minutes or so." The man pointed his finger at him. "I'm keeping my eye on you."