Page 27 of Flame's Fight

“Are you going to tell Flame that you have a dinner date?” She asks me.

I scowl. “It is not a date. At least not for me.”

Curt watches him leave. “Pretty sure he thinks it’s a date. Be careful.”

I balk. “Do you think he’d try something? Here in the hospital?” I ask.

Curt shrugs but turns back. “No, but I don’t like him. Something off about him. Want me to check on you?”

I’m touched by Curt’s offer. “Thanks, but I’ll be fine. I need to let Flame and Reaper know where I’m going, though. Reaper’s my guard until Dante’s certain Deion is no longer a problem.”

When I reach Flame’s room, I’m happy to see Reaper outside. I don’t want to tell Flame about my pseudo-date, even though he has nothing to worry about. I want to avoid waves while I can.

“Where’s Axel?” I ask him.

“Went to go pick up dinner for everyone. I think he’s getting you something in case you want to eat with us.”

“I have a meeting with the HR Manager.” I tell him. “It’s downstairs in the administration section. He ordered Chinese.”

“Is this the guy who’s hitting on you?” He asks with a frown.

“He’s just a friend.” I tell him, even though I feel like I’m lying. Until today, I didn’t really believe Tony was interested in me, but too many people have told me otherwise. They may be right. “I love Flame.” I tell Reaper. “Nothing can change that.”

Reaper nods. “I’m glad you two are back together. He’s more like himself. He’s even talking about doing something other than working at Styx.”

“That’s good news.” I tell him. “He’s too smart to stay there. How did his session with Tanya go?”

“Good. I think. She seemed pretty happy with his progress and feels confident he’ll be walking and riding again soon.”

“That’s good.”

“She told us about the Reverend.” Reaper adds. “I told her about the video I have and apologized for not watching it back then.”

“She was the one you saw in the video?” I ask him, and he nods. While we were sitting with Flame, Reaper had told me about the Reverend and his obsession with Ashlyn. He also explained about finding a video that proved Trask provided women to the Reverend. “Was she upset with you?”

“No.” Reaper says. “She should hate me, but I’m grateful she forgave me.”

“But you still feel guilty?” I suggest, and he nods. “If we can help her move on from Deion and welcome her into our family, then it will all work out. Ghost has a thing for her.”

Reaper grins. “Yeah, he does. Check in with me after your meeting. Ok?” He asks and I wave my agreement as I head for the stairs.

Tony’s office is at the rear of the hospital and away from the hectic halls. I don’t realize how secluded it is until I reach his office. It’s at the end of the hall near an exit. I knock on the door, but there’s no answer. I try the door, but it’s locked. Shrugging, I turn to leave when I hear a noise behind me. A figure in black steps through the exit door. Opening my mouth to scream, I smell something medicinal before my mind shuts down.

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: FLAME

After Tanya leaves, I dose off. When I wake up, I’m alone. My first thought is of Brooke. I miss her. She has to work, but I wish she could be my private nurse. I think with a smirk.

My second thought is about my legs. I try lifting each one off the bed as Tanya instructed. My right leg goes higher than my left, but I can feel more in my left leg than I did earlier. Progress.

My third thought is I’m starving. My stomach growls loudly as I realize I missed lunch. Glancing at the swing table next to my bed, I find a covered plate. Lifting the lid, I curl my lip at the dry chicken breast and cold vegetables. I force down a few bites of chicken before putting the cover back on the plate. Maybe I can talk Axel or Reaper into getting me some actual food.

Picking up my phone, I dial Reaper’s number.

“Yo.” He says as he enters the room. I shut down the call.

“I’m starving.” I complain.

He smirks as he lifts the cover off the food. “Here you go.”

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