Page 40 of Burn the World Down

Where had ex-military badass Nash gotten orchids?

“I made you some breakfast.” The bed depressed as he sat down.

He was so close to me. All that glorious chest was so close. I swallowed.

“How’s the pain level?” he asked.

Pain? Oh, right. “Okay.”

His gaze narrowed. “You telling me the truth?”

I nodded.

“Good. You can’t have more painkillers for a little bit. But now, you need to eat.”

“Nash.” I grabbed his wrist and his blue eyes met mine. Then his gaze wandered to my eye, and I saw his face harden. I winced. “It looks bad, doesn’t it? It’ll be even worse tomorrow.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw. “Snyder and his guys are dead men.”

I shivered. “Thank you. For saving me.”

He cupped the uninjured side of my face. “I won’t let anyone ever hurt you again.”

My heart felt like it swelled to twice its size. I wanted to believe him, but life had shown me time and again that I was one of its favorite punching bags.

Nash handed me a glass of orange juice. “Drink.” Then he leaned over and shoved some pillows behind my back.

My nose was an inch from his pec. I felt a rush of heat between my legs. I sucked in air and breathed him in.

“Here we go.” He flicked out the legs of the tray and settled it over my lap.

I looked at all the food and blinked. There were pancakes—a tower of them—a bowl of sliced fruit, toast, scrambled eggs, and bacon.

“You made this?” I asked bemused, sipping the juice and setting the glass on the tray.

His lips twitched. “I want to say yes, but I ordered it from room service.”

“Room service?” I looked around again. “But this is your house.”

He nodded. “It is. I live in a villa at the Avernus Casino.”

“Oh, wow.”

“Living in a casino has some benefits. Now eat up.”

“Nash, there isnoway I can eat all of this.”

“You’re too thin. You haven’t been taking care of yourself.”

“I’ve been a little busy.” I thought of Viv and sadness welled in my chest.

Nash leaned over and cut off a piece of pancake, then held the fork to my mouth. Obediently, I ate. The sweet taste of maple syrup exploded across my tongue.

“I had your car brought here. Do you have a hotel room somewhere?”

“Such as it is. At the Park Pines.”

He gave a quick nod. “I’ll send someone to check you out and grab your things.”