Being Zolt Read Online Free PDF Page A

anything but funny.” I kept stroking her hair, hoping she’d come to understand how fucked up and scared I had been this last week. “I’m sorry. Relax until we get home. Brody will make it all right.”
    “Text T-bone and tell him about Delaney, please.”
    I nodded and did as she asked. We stayed silent for the rest of the drive, but I kept touching her, continually stroking her hair.
    When we finally arrived, I helped Irelyn out of the car, making sure her dress stayed in place. I wanted to carry her, but I worried it could hurt her.
    “I’m set up in the spare bedroom,” Brody said.
    “She should be in my bedroom,” I said, irritated that Brody had made that decision without checking first.
    “I had no idea what we’d be facing. I figured it was best to give her a room to herself.”
    “It’s fine, Zolt. You’ll need to get your rest.” Irelyn gave me a weak smile that made me want to cry. That she tried to be strong for me when I didn’t deserve it ripped at my heart.
    “I’m going to step out while you help Irelyn get settled. Have her lie face down, undressed. You can cover her with a sheet, but leave her welts uncovered.” Brody left the room and closed the door.
    “You heard Dr. Hamil,” I said, trying to lighten the mood. “Drop the dress, young lady.”
    Irelyn remained silent and let her dress fall.
    I covered my mouth and gasped when I saw the extent of Marcus’s handiwork on her lower back. The man wielded a flogger like a professional. He did just enough damage to cause her extreme pain but not to completely disable her.
    I’m going to fucking kill him, but not before I beat the shit out of him first.
    “I’m so embarrassed.” Though she had her back to me, the quaver in her voice told me that she cried.
    “Don’t be, baby. Brody’s a doctor. He’s seen it all before.” But to be honest, my brother seeing my girlfriend’s sweet ass pissed me off.
    If she’s still my girlfriend.
    Irelyn lay on the bed naked, and I covered as much of her as I could, leaving her injured back exposed. She whimpered the entire time, and I had a hard time keeping it together.
    “Are you comfortable?” I sat on the side of the bed and caressed her face with my finger. “I mean, stupid question, but do you need anything else before I get Brody?”
    “No. Well, maybe a tissue. I’m sure my mascara is running down my face by now. And can you twist my hair into a knot?”
    “Sure.” I did my best with her hair then handed her a tissue. Yes, her makeup had run, but I still found her beautiful.
    “Your face is perfect.” Her being back in my house made everything perfect.
    She wiped her nose and face, and then handed me the tissue to dispose of. “Anything else?”
    “No.”
    “Okay. I’ll go get Brody.”
    “Zolt.”
    “Yeah,” I said with my hand on the doorknob.
    “Stay with me while he tends my back. I’m scared.”
    I closed my eyes, praying for strength, and then I swallowed hard. “You got it. I’ll be right back.”
    I opened the door to find Brody waiting in the hall. His short, curly brown hair stood on end, resembling a stressed-out man who had constantly run his hands through his hair.
    Closing the door, I joined him. “I’m going to fucking kill him, Brody. I swear if it’s the last thing I do, I’ll kill him.”
    Brody squeezed my shoulders. “We’ll deal with that later. First, we have to help Irelyn. This is going to hurt her, Zolt. I need you to pull yourself together. You have to be strong for her. Fall apart after, yeah?”
    With a nod, I followed Brody into the room and shut the door.
    “How are you doing, Irelyn?” Brody asked as he pulled on gloves. He was all business, and I was thankful for that.
    “It hurts. My back feels like it’s on fire,” she said as more tears coursed down her cheeks.
    “I’m sure. I’m going to insert an IV and give you some pain meds. Thankfully, T-bone has wicked connections and obtained everything we needed. I’d prefer