Page 98 of The Firebrand
The woman flung the straight blonde hair out of her eyes as she laughed at the behemoth. “Only a dick picks on women half his size.” She snatched up her fork, speared a carrot, and with her mouth full said, “Hi. I’m Celene Bailey. What’s your name?”
ChapterTwenty-One
Braelynawoke. She breathed in Rein’s scent, admiring the slope of his head, the curve of his neck, and the feel of his warm hand clutching hers. Not daring to disturb the vision, she snuggled deeper into the covers.
How nice.
The vision spoke. “Hey.”
Inhale. Exhale. “It’s really you? You’re not a dream?”
Even in the dim light, his blue eyes sparkled. “In the flesh, Brae.”
When she tried to reposition herself, she winced, resigned to lying flat. “How long have you been here? Where is here?” Her hand flew to her head. “Ooh. That hurts.”
“Fuck. Stop moving. You’re in a hospital.” He adjusted her pillows. “You’ve been out. Might have a concussion. I’ve been here most of the night.”
Braelyn spotted the cast on her left arm.Damn. She dragged the fingers of her other hand through her hair.
Lost cause.
“You look just fine.”
“Is that code for a garbage truck rolled over me? Why are you here? Hell. Why am I here? Hospital, right? Everything’s fuzzy.” She cradled a palm on her head.
“Stop fidgeting.”
Her lips tugged into a pained frown. “Be kind. Haven’t you heard? I’m hurt. Of course, you look yummy.”Like always.She stared. No doubt about it, she had missed Rein’s bright-to-stormy blue eyes, sensuous mouth, and chiseled looks.Oh. Also, the broad shoulders.
With her hand in his, he kissed each of her fingers, mainlining sparks to her central nervous system. “That’s nice.”
“What do you remember?” he asked between kisses.
“Other than how hot you are?”
“Other than that. Stick to what landed you in the hospital.”
Braelyn’s lids swooped closed. With a clearer memory, she snapped her eyes open. “I left the Hangout with one of the agents.” She paused for a pop-up thought. “You’d be proud of me, Rein. I’ve been working out every day, training with the spikes, knives, and throwing stars. I’m quite good at the shooting range. Still lame in the hand-to-hand stuff, but baby steps.”
“Great!” He snarled.
“What’s that sound for?”
“The agent.”
“What about him? You don’t know him. He’s with the Alliance. Actually, he’s my team leader.”
Rein leaned close to Braelyn, the grip on her hand tighter, the tips of his fangs peeking between parted lips.
“Ouch! Let go.”
When he growled, her mouth spread into a wide grin. “You’re jealous.”
Rein loosened his hold. “I don’t get jealous. I just haven’t fed in a while.”
“What? No available succubus? Zora busy?”
“I haven’t… Don’t change the subject. Are you seeing this male?”
