Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Vincent's Party, Part 4

KADE

Rolling up his sleeves, Kade filled the bath to the rim, adding magnesium sulphate crystals and a few drops of lavender bath oil. He returned to the lounge room to a sleeping Nine, haphazardly fallen against the armrest of his leather couch. His stomach twisted at the sight of her. How could he let this happen? The night was full of distractions. He should have sent Vince away when he showed up with Charlotte. He should never have allowed him to take Nine. He never should've left the table in a bid to lose Charlotte. Thanks to Vince, he chased his tail all night. Thanks to Vince, he was too late. He approached her sleeping form and knelt beside the couch. Nine had always had a full face, beautiful and healthy, but now, shadows obscured it, settling underneath her eyes and in her hollowed cheeks. As she was, drowning in his oversized jacket, she looked too young to be in his room, in her situation. It made him sick to his stomach.