Page 127 of Burn Like An Angel

“It feels a lot better. The ice pack helped.” I hesitate, sniffing the air. “Oh, smooth.”

“Huh?”

“Xander’s demonstrating his obsessive knowledge once more.”

As she pulls me into what I think is the open plan living and dining area, I hear Ripley gasp. It’s a weirdly happy sound. That alone makes me smile.

“Is that…”

“Not me,” Xander volunteers. “The snorer was already up and dressed.”

I sense movement accompanying Lennox’s signature heavy thuds. I’m convinced he’s incapable of walking quietly. He fiddles with something before approaching us.

“Joint effort,” he explains. “Xander knew your coffee order.”

Ripley snickers. “Of course, he did.”

“Here. Macchiato, right?”

The satisfied groan she releases can only be described as sexual. Seriously, I’m concerned about what she’s planning to do with that coffee.

“You went out?” Ripley takes a loud slurp. “Oh, holy shit.”

Lennox laughs under his breath. “Yeah, I wanted to check out the security we’ve been assigned. There’s a coffee place across the street.”

His rough fingertips brush my hand, passing me a Styrofoam cup. I won’t tell Ripley that I’m a tea before coffee kinda person. She’ll probably decapitate me with her macchiato in hand.

“Security still outside?” I take a hot sip.

“Five of them.”

“Armed?” Ripley asks.

Lennox sniffs loudly. “Yeah.”

Seems they’re taking the meagre information we’ve offered seriously. Warner and his colleagues don’t even know half the story yet.

We all listen to Ripley make increasingly disturbing sounds as she drinks. You’d think the woman hasn’t tasted decent coffee in years… Which isn’t far from the truth, thinking about it.

“Here.” There’s a rustle before footsteps near. “Eat before your heart gives out from all the caffeine.”

“Xan,” Ripley warns sassily. “Touch my coffee and I’ll drink it from your skull.”

A choked cough comes from Lennox. “He’d probably enjoy that.”

“No.” Xander is quick to protest. “I wouldn’t.”

“That’s an outright lie.” I savour another sip.

“It’s not!”

“You totally would enjoy it.”

“Raine’s right.” Lennox harrumphs in disdain. “Tell the truth.”

An audible sigh.

“For fuck’s sake… Yes. I would probably enjoy that.”

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