Page 26 of Flame's Fight

“And riding.” She agrees, waving as she and Ghost leave.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: BROOKE

I kiss Flame and hug Tanya before returning to my duties. It’s only been thirty minutes, and no one seems to know I’ve been missing. Small favors.

The change in how I feel is night and day to the stress I felt when I arrived at work. I should have trusted Flame and his brothers, told him what I was going through. But at least now Tanya knows what kind of person Deion really is, so maybe it was all worth it.

I finish my rounds and spot Curt talking with Gina at the nurse’s station.

“So, what was that about earlier?” Curt asks as I join them.

“Deion?” I ask, and he nods.

“He threatened me. He and his guard dog. They wanted me to steal pills from the pharmacy.”

“What made him think you’d be willing to do that?” Gina asks in surprise. “Your dad’s a cop. Doesn’t he know that?”

I shake my head. “I don’t think he cares. He told me he’d have his gang rape and kill me if I didn’t.”

“Fuck. You should call the cops.” Curt says.

“They know.” I tell him. “Besides, Dante talked to Deion and made some threats of his own.”

“Good.” Gina says. “He’s better protection than the cops. No offense against your dad, but the Demon Dawgs are a little more intimidating.”

“Plus, they don’t have to follow the rules.” Curt agrees. “I’m glad Dante’s looking after you.”

“Does this mean you and Flame are back together?” Gina asks me.

“Yeah.” I tell her with a sappy smile.

“Good. I don’t know why you two broke up. He asked me about Curt. Suggested that you two were dating because he saw Curt leaving your apartment one morning. I told him we were both staying there.”

“It was a misunderstanding, but we’re good now. Better than good.”

“Fuck.” Curt says in a whisper, glancing around to make sure no one heard him. “You let Flame think I was his competition? What did I ever do to you?”

“I’m sorry. I told him we weren’t together. We broke up when I accused him of spying on me.”

“I’m glad you’re back together. You two are a great couple, and I know you were happiest when you were together, and miserable when you weren’t.” Gina adds.

“And I’m glad I don’t have those guys looking to kill me. Next time you want to piss off your boyfriend, leave me out of it.”

Gina and I laugh. “I promise. You’re safe. He knows that you’re with Gina, and he knows I love him. I was worried that I wasn’t good enough for him. But I realize now that I’m a better person with him in my life.”

“Brooke.” Tony says as he steps up to the nurse’s station. His smile is wide, and he looks as happy as I feel.

“Hi, Tony. What can I do for you?” His smile slips a little.

“We’re having dinner together, remember?” He asks and though I want to groan, I glance at my watch and pretend I just realized the time. I don’t want to eat with him. I want to grab food and eat with Flame, but I can’t do that to Tony. He’s been a good friend.

“Is it that time already?” I ask. “This day has been so busy. I need to make one stop, then I’ll meet you in the cafeteria?”

“I ordered Chinese Food.” Tony tells me. “It’s in my office. I thought we could go over some positions that are opening up in the hospital. See if anything looks interesting to you. Make it a working lunch.”

The idea of being alone with Tony isn’t filling me with joy, but I can’t think of a reason to refuse his offer. “Let me use the restroom and check on one of my patients, then I’ll be right there.”

Tony taps on the counter twice and smiles. “See you soon.”

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