Her Wilde Bodyguards (Wilde, Nevada 5)

“I wish there was, sweetheart. But right now I need some time to think.”

“Okay. I’m tired, too. I’m going to bed, but if you need me, Kyle, don’t hesitate to get me.”

He grabbed her hand. “Thanks, baby. I will.”

She gave him a sweet kiss and then went back upstairs.

He closed his eyes, feeling the dread start to wrap itself around his soul. He didn’t even know what kind of cancer his brother had or what stage he was at. Did it even matter? How many times had Aaron told him that if he ever got cancer he would never have surgery or take chemo? A million at least. After seeing what their mother had gone through, Aaron had never wavered from his ridiculous stance. He didn’t care for doctors or hospitals. Not one damn bit.

What Kyle had seen in his brother’s eyes tonight crushed him. Aaron had already given up hope. What could he say to his brother to get him to fight whatever cancer was inside him? I need the right words. But they wouldn’t come into his mind no matter how hard he tried to conjure them.

Aaron had always been his rock. The best brother a man could have. Fuck. What can I do?

Desperation spread through him. He needed someone to talk to, but he’d sworn not to tell Gya. He brought out his cell and dialed the one person who, besides Aaron, was always there for him when he needed her.

“Hello.”

“Maude, this is Kyle. I know it’s late, but I need to talk to you.”

“It’s never too late for you, my boy. I’ll put on a pot of coffee.”

It took him only five minutes to get to the Strong’s house.

Maude opened the door, wearing one of her colorful robes.

They hugged. He squeezed her, as his mind continued to reel with the horrific news he’d just learned. Holding her helped to ease his fears a little.

“Kyle, come on in. We have a lot to talk about.”

He entered the house quietly. “Where are Uncle Greg and Uncle Grant? I hope my call didn’t wake them.”

She laughed. “They would sleep through a war. Nothing wakes my two husbands but me shaking the living daylights out of them. But you didn’t come over here to talk about my guys’ sleeping patterns. Come on in and let’s talk about your brother.”

The concern on her face told him she already knew.

Of course, she knows. Aaron loves her as much as I do.

He followed her into the kitchen.

Chapter Eight

Wearing only boxers, Aaron rolled out of bed. He’d dozed some, thanks to the whiskey he’d drank, but mostly, he’d just stared at the ceiling. He still had a slight buzz, but most of the effects of the liquor had worn off. Too bad. All he could think of was how Kyle had reacted to the news he had cancer. The last thing he wanted to do was to cause his brother more pain. But what choice did he have?

He’d put off telling him more, but now he knew that had been a bad idea. His brother deserved to know the whole truth.

His mouth was bone dry, so he marched to the kitchen, hoping to get some water and find Kyle.

He did find someone, but the person wasn’t his brother.

Gya.

The only light in the kitchen came from the fridge, which she was holding open. It illuminated her in a warm glow. She wore an oversized T-shirt and a pair of shorts. Her blonde locks fell to her shoulders.

God, she’s so cute.

She was exactly his type, but that didn’t matter now. It wouldn’t be right to pursue her. She and Kyle might make a go of it. Without me.

He knew he should silently turn and go back to his bedroom, but for some reason all he could do was stare at her.