Before he could tell her that it wasn't a big deal and the bleeding probably stopped by now--he'd take care of it when they got back to base--she was crying. Felt like crap stuck under someone's shoe.
"Don't--don't cry, Brook. I won't leave you, I promise." He smiled a wobbly smile, and reached out a finger to wipe her wet cheek, even while he drove. "Besides, your sister would kill me if I let some stupid Russians get to you before she could. You haven't been able to make a bad impression on Cadeyrn yet, remember?" The words were joking, but his ton was sincere. "Priorities, Brook. Personally, I don't plan on dying until I'm able to separate Max from this weird Lilah chick he's dating. Can't go into the great beyond knowing my younger brother has the worst taste in women."
The smile was limp and wry, but it was there. He palmed the gash on his arm and shrugged at it. "Don't worry, it'll be fine. Never broke a promise before."