Four of a Kind: Kind Brothers Series Book 4 Read online

  FOUR OF A KIND

  KIND BROTHERS SERIES, BOOK 4

  SANDI LYNN

  SANDI LYNN ROMANCE, LLC

  CONTENTS

  Four of a Kind

  Mission Statement

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 46

  FOUR OF A KIND

  New York Times, USA Today & Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author

  Sandi Lynn

  Four of a Kind

  Copyright © 2022 Sandi Lynn Romance, LLC

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  Photo by Wander Aguiar

  Model: Soj M.

  Created with Vellum

  MISSION STATEMENT

  Sandi Lynn Romance

  Providing readers with romance novels that will whisk them away

  to another world and from the daily grind of life – one book at a time.

  CHAPTER 1

  Simon

  “Look at him lying there like a baby,” I heard Sam’s voice in the distance.

  “Yeah. He’d do anything to get attention. He always has.” Stefan’s voice filtered through the soft beeps of the monitor I was hooked up to.

  “Right? He just couldn’t stand that all the attention was on my restaurant tonight,” Sebastian spoke.

  “I can hear you, douchebags,” I moaned as I slowly opened my eyes.

  “Hey, bro.” Sam smiled as he leaned over me. “It’s about time you woke up.”

  Looking to my left, I noticed the sling that kept my shoulder and my arm stabilized, and I felt nothing. Not even a hint a pain except in my back when my body hit the concrete after that motherfucker fired his gun at me. I was still dazed and in a state of confusion.

  “The doctor said the surgery went well. He removed the bullet from your shoulder and from what he could tell there isn’t any permanent damage,” Sebastian said as he sat on the edge of the bed.

  “You’re lucky, bro, and you scared the shit out of us,” Stefan walked over and placed his hand on mine.

  “What the hell were you thinking going after that guy without any backup?” Sam asked.

  “I was just checking out a tip I received. I didn’t see the asshole. His shot came out of nowhere.”

  “Well, you’re lucky he’s a shitty shot.” A smirk crossed Stefan’s lips. “It could have been way worse.”

  “Mom and Dad were in here for a while. They went to go grab some coffee,” Sam said.

  “And Roman?”

  “Roman was here while you were in surgery. He had to leave, and said he’ll be back.”

  The door to my room opened and an older man wearing light blue scrubs walked in.

  “You’re awake.” He smiled. “I’m Dr. Kata, and I dug that nasty bullet out of your shoulder and repaired some artery damage.”

  “You did an excellent job because I don’t feel any pain.” I managed a weak smile.

  “That’s because we have you pumped up on pain meds and a nerve block. Trust me, once it wears off, you’ll be cussing me up and down. That sling is to stay on for two weeks. The only time you’re allowed to take it off is when you shower. Do you understand me, detective?” His brow arched.

  “Yes.”

  “Also, you are to sleep in a semi-upright position for the next couple of weeks. Do you have an adjustable bed or a recliner?”

  “I have a recliner.”

  “Good. Sleep in that and keep a pillow under that shoulder for comfort. I’ve prescribed you some pain medication I’m sending home with you, and an antibiotic. Take the pain meds only if you can’t take the pain and finish the round of antibiotics. You’re going to need physical therapy which you will start in a couple of weeks. I’m not going to lie to you, it’s going to take time to get your arm and shoulder functioning again. But you’re in great shape and you’re strong, so I do expect a shorter recovery than your average joe.”

  “What about work?”

  He chuckled. “You’ll be off at least a month, per me. When your captain decides to let you come back, that’s up to him. And when you do go back, it’s nothing but light desk duties for a while.”

  All three of my brothers snickered because they knew me all too well.

  “When can I get out of here?”

  “In a couple of days. I’ll come back in the morning and see how you’re doing, check your vitals, and we’ll take it from there. In the meantime, you need your rest. You’re a lucky man, Detective Kind. The damage could have been much, much worse.” He patted my arm before leaving the room.

  As soon as the doctor left, my partner, Roman walked in.

  “You’re awake. Now, I’m going to knock you out for pulling this shit.”

  “Did you find him?”

  “No. Not yet. We checked all his usual hangouts, and he isn’t anywhere to be found. He’s most likely in hiding.”

  “Good. Because I want to be the one to find him, and when I do—”

  “Relax, partner. We’ll get him. Until then, you just focus on getting better.”

  * * *

  “Asshole,” I heard a whisper in my ear.

  Opening my eyes, I saw Jenni hovering over me, and a smile crossed my lips.

  “Hello to you too.”

  “Are you an idiot? You could have been killed and then what?”

  “I guess you would have to call someone else for a booty call.” I gave her a smirk.

  Her eyes steadily narrowed at me as her face was mere inches from mine.

  “Very funny. Anyway, I’m happy you’re okay. I brought you some get-well flowers.” She smiled as she pointed to the arrangement sitting on the small table next to the chair.

  “Thank you, Jen. That was really sweet of you.”

  The door to my room opened and Sam and Julia walked in.

  “Hey, Simon.” Julia walked over and kissed my cheek. “I made you some apple turnovers.” She set the container on my tray.

  “Thanks, Julia.”

  “Hey, bro.” Sam walked over and held out his fist. “How are you feeling this morning?”

  “Not too bad as long as I ke
ep pushing this button to the pain pump.”

  “You better watch how often you do that.” Emilia smiled as she walked in. “It’ll run out before you know it, and you won’t get another one.” She walked over and kissed my cheek. “How are you?”

  “I’m good, Emilia. Where’s Sebastian?”

  “He’s on his way with breakfast for you. I have to get to the office, but I wanted to stop by and check on you first.” She grabbed hold of my hand.

  “Thanks. You didn’t have to do that.”

  “Sure, I did.” A smile crossed her lips. “And just so you know, I will be helping you clean that wound and change your bandages when you get home.”

  “You can be my doctor anytime.” I gave her a wink.

  “I heard that, douchebag.” Sebastian walked into the room. “Say something like that to my girlfriend again, and I’ll shoot you in the other arm.”

  “Ouch, bro. You’d really do that to an already wounded man?”

  “You bet I would. I brought you breakfast so you don’t have to eat the ungodly stuff they call food in this place.”

  “You’re the best. I love you man.”

  “Love you too, bro.” He grabbed my hand and leaned in for a light hug.

  “I need to head out and get ready for a shoot.” Jenni smiled as she leaned over and kissed my cheek. “I’ll call you later.”

  “Thanks, Jenni.”

  As Emilia and Jenni both walked out of the room, Stefan walked in.

  “Good morning.” He grinned. “Oh hey, did Sebastian make that?” He pointed to my plate.

  “Yes.”

  “Bro?” He cocked his head at our brother.

  “Really, Stefan? I cook for you all the time. Are you laying in a hospital bed with a gunshot wound and recovering from surgery?”

  “Is that what it’s going to take?” Stefan’s brow raised.

  Sebastian chuckled. “Shut the hell up.”

  “Lily has a half-day of school today, so Alex said she’ll stop by after she picks her up. Lily was crying in the middle of the night because she’s so worried about you.”

  “Poor kid. I’m glad Alex is bringing her up so she can see I’m okay.”

  My brothers and I talked for a while and then they left. I was in more pain than I was letting on and the last thing I wanted was for them to worry about me. They’d been through enough already. My mom and Curtis stopped by for a visit and when they left, my dad walked in.

  “How are you, son?”

  “I’m okay, Dad.”

  “You gave us all quite a scare. Celeste and I were talking, and we think you should come and stay with us while you recuperate.”

  Hell no.

  “Thanks, Dad, but I’ll be fine at home. Plus, you’re only a few houses down if I need anything.”

  “You shouldn’t be alone. Now, if you had someone special in your life—”

  “Dad—”

  “All I’m saying is you can clearly see how Julia, Alex, and Emilia, make your brothers happy.”

  “I am happy, Dad. I don’t need someone for that, and I’m certainly not putting my happiness in the hands of someone else.”

  “You’re tough son, but underneath all that tough exterior is someone who needs somebody.”

  “Okay, Dad. If you say so.”

  I wasn’t going to argue with him about it.

  “Listen, Dad. I love you, but I’m really tired and I need to go to sleep.”

  “Sure thing, son. When you’re out of here, we’re going to have a little chat about a possible career change.”

  “You know that’s a losing battle, so save your breath. I will never give up being a detective.”

  “A father can try.” He sighed.

  I turned my head and stared out the window as I thought about last night. How could I have been so stupid not to have seen him? I had better instincts than that. I was going to find him and beat the shit out him until he told me where I could find his boss.

  CHAPTER 2

  ONE MONTH LATER

  Simon

  “Are you okay, big boy?” Jenni breathlessly asked as her hips grind back and forth on my cock.

  “Yeah. I’m good.” I threw my head back and let out a groan as she came. Gripping her hips, I held her down and exploded inside her.

  She leaned in and brushed her lips against mine before climbing off me.

  “Thanks.” I grinned as I glanced over her. “I really needed that.”

  A happy smile crossed her lips. “You’re welcome, but I think we should talk.” She rolled on her side and ran her finger over my chest.

  “About?”

  “You are my best guy friend, Simon, and I love you like a best friend. Your friendship is very important to me and as much as it pains me to say this, I don’t think we should sleep together anymore.”

  My lips formed a soft smile as I brought my hand up and stroked her cheek.

  “Your friendship is very important to me too, and I don’t want to do anything to ever compromise that. So, if you think we should stop, I agree.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “One day, you’re going to meet a guy and fall head over heels for him. I want that for you, Jen.”

  “Same goes for you too, Simon. Except you’ll meet an amazing woman.”

  “Come on. You know me better than that.” I smiled.

  “Do I really?” Her brow arched.

  “You should by now.”

  “I only know what you want me to know, detective. But I do know deep inside that guarded and locked heart of yours,” she placed her hand over my heart, “there is love locked away just waiting for the one woman in this world who was born with the key to unlock it.”

  Grabbing hold of her hand that laid gently over my heart, I pressed my lips against it.

  “That was very poetic, but I like my life the way it is.”

  “I know you do. But sometimes the universe and fate doesn’t give two shits what you like.” Her lips formed a pretty smile.

  When I awoke the next morning, I gripped my shoulder as I sat up and placed my feet firmly on the floor. It had been four weeks since the shooting and the pain still gripped me. The narcotics the doctor prescribed me were becoming a crutch. One twinge of pain and I was popping them like candy. After making a cup of coffee, I took it outside, walked down to the beach, and planted myself in the sand.

  “Hey, bro.” Sam walked over and placed his hand on my shoulder.

  Looking up at him, I gave him a small smile.

  “What’s going on? Why are you down here so early?”

  “Why are you?” I asked my brother.

  “Because I saw you walk down here. How’s the shoulder?”

  “Hurts like a bitch.”

  “I saw Jenni leaving your house. Were you guys too rough in the sack?” A smirk crossed his lips.

  I let out a chuckle. “Maybe a little. We aren’t hooking up anymore. Last night was the last time.”

  “Music to my ears. But why?”

  “We’re close friends and we don’t want to do anything to jeopardize that.”

  “How do you really feel about it?”

  “I’m good with it. She’s important to me, and I value our friendship more than just having an occasional hookup. Besides, I don’t want it to be weird for her when she meets the ‘one’ and we’d just had sex. You know what I mean?”

  “Yeah,” he placed his hand on my back, “I know what you mean, brother.”

  * * *

  I lightly knocked on the door before opening it and stepping inside.

  “Hey, Captain.”

  “Kind, come in and have a seat.” He motioned with his hand. “How are you doing?”

  “I’m doing great, and I’m excited to get back to work.”

  “I got a call today from Dr. Kazmin, the psychologist you were supposed to set an appointment with and haven’t yet.” His brow raised.

  “Captain, I’m—”

  “I don’t care, Kind. It’s r
equired after a shooting. You know that.”

  “I know, but I don’t need to see her. I’m perfectly fine.”

  “I was shot once, and I insisted I was fine too. Then one day I snapped because I wasn’t. So, get that goddamn appointment made and get your ass over to see her.”

  “When can I come back?”

  He sat behind his desk and stared at me with that look. The one he always gave when what he had to say wasn’t good news.

  “Another four weeks.”

  “Fuck! Captain—”

  He put his hand up. “I want you completely healed, Kind. If you want to come back and sit behind the desk, be my guest. But I know you won’t. You’re one of the best detectives I’ve had and I’m not compromising that by bringing you back too soon. Consider it a vacation. You’re getting paid anyway, so enjoy your time off. And if you do anything stupid while you’re on downtime, I’ll suspend your ass, and you’ll be off even longer. Got it?”

  A smirk crossed my lips as I looked at him. “Got it.”

  He knew me too well and being my captain, he had to warn me.

  I walked out of his office and over to Roman’s desk.