Page 22 of Scars Run Deep

“Yes, Miss Blackthorn. He sends his regards.”

As I took them from him, I mused aloud, “This is a strange task to assign to you. You’re not housekeeping.” He was Asher’s most trusted security member.

“Well, I was just in his room discussing something. He had them there. He wanted to deliver them himself, but he wasn’t up to it. Rather than waiting until tomorrow, he insisted you weren’t to wait. He thought it might help you sleep after what you endured tonight.”

I felt my cheeks heat at his words, words that Asher had clearly made him say, given the awkward look on his face.

I spared him any further discomfort and told him, “Thank you, Bryce. I really appreciate it.”

“Have a good night.”

“You too.”

As he took off down the corridor, I closed the door to the bedroom and walked back to the bed. I put the tequila and the glass down on the nightstand, then snatched my phone up and sank back onto the bed.

I started at the time on the screen.

I’d been in the shower for over an hour. Jeez.

I opened the notifications, a bunch of texts I’d missed in that time.

Killian: How’s it going? All cleaned up? Feel better?

Killian: Want me to read you a bedtime comic?

Asher: Killian is in your room. If he’s bothering you, just say the word.

Jonah: Gonna come by and drop something off for you. Cool?

Killian: Guess you’re still in the shower. I’m gonna crash. Have a good night.

Jonah: You all right?

Asher: Jonah’s in there now. Want them leashed?

Jonah: Just dropped something off for you. Hope it helps.

I chuckled to myself.

Despite the invasiveness of it, it was sweet at its heart.

These guys weren’t exactly conventional, which actually made these thoughtful acts all the more endearing.

I texted Jonah and Killian back, thanking them for their gifts—and Killian for taking care of Buster. I smiled as I imagined his face while reading my message when he woke up tomorrow.

I went to text Asher next, but then pulled up short.

Bryce’s words rolled over me.

“He wanted to deliver them himself, but he wasn’t up to it.”

That meant he was hurting.

Because of me.

Because he’d saved me.

It didn’t sit well with me in the least.

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