Page 49 of Stars in Umbra
Just his silent, massive presence behind her, a bulwark of strength and support.
When they returned to Sable HQ and entered the suite assigned to her, she was met with a surprise.
A food warmer rested outside her door, steam fogging the glass lid.
‘It’s fromThe Osirian’srestaurant,’ he rasped, unlocking the container. ‘Figured you hadn’t eaten, so I ordered something from our menu via my neural link.’
From a smaller cooler beside it, he removed and held up a massive tub of her favorite ice cream.
Her stomach twisted with a sensation that wasn’t pain for the first time all day.
‘You didn’t have to, but wow,sante.’
‘Didn’t ask if I had to.’
She smiled, too tired to fight it. ‘Come in, soldier.’
Inside, she headed to the kitchenette and took her medication, swallowing it down with cold water as Mo put the tub of ice cream in the freezer.
Within minutes, she felt the relief begin to unfurl through her skull.
She collapsed onto the sofa, groaning as she kicked off her heels and stretched her legs across the cushions.
Without a word, he picked up a cozy blanket draped over the chair and settled it over her lap.
Then he turned to the food warmer and plated her a meal of a delightful potato bake, thinly sliced beef, and a salad.
Nothing fancy, just honest, heart-warming fare that was both hot and comforting.
Rina leaned back against the divan, a slow, satisfied sigh escaping her lips as she set her empty bowl on the side table.
‘Gods,’ she breathed, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand, ‘I feel so much better. Like I’ve been pulled back from the dead by delicious grub and meds. What a miracle combo.’
Mo chuckled, eyeing her stretched out, relaxed at last.
‘How’s the head?’ he asked in a rumbling burr.
‘The migraine has taken a back seat; it’s not trying to crack open my skull now. I’ll take the win.Santeto you.’
He tilted his head, half-smiling. ‘So, how bad was it? Your day?’
She groaned, rolling her eyes as she curled her legs beneath her. ‘Oh, you mean the diplomatic nightmare, the endless holo calls, and the migraine from hell? Or striving to convince two groups of armed lunatics to stop shooting each other before breakfast?’
‘None of the above, but are you doing enough?’ he drawled, amused.
She snorted. ‘Fokkoff. I finally brokered a ceasefire agreement, drafted a statement for the galaxy, and maybe, we’ll get a full twenty-four hours without someone blowing up a valley.’
As the words left her lips, she stilled, guilt flashing through her face.
‘Oh my, how selfish of me.’
She straightened, setting her dessert aside. ‘I pulled you from work, hijacked your night, and I didn’t even ask about you. Tell me, Mo. How was your day?’
He hesitated, looking down at his half-empty bowl of ice cream, a rare flicker of vulnerability crossing his unreadable face.
Then, almost sheepish, he gave her a lopsided smile that sent a jolt through her.
‘Well-.’ He rubbed the back of his neck. ‘I got inducted into the Sable Riders today.’
