Page 16 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

I scoff. “How can you be a bitch to menow?”

She scowls at me. “I’m being serious. You need to take care of yourself. Please. I’m worried about you.”

That gets my attention. I sniff. “Really?”

Well, it’s obvious since she came all the way from Colorado to give me emotional support when she heard about Rowan. But hearing her say it still surprises me. We haven’t been in a good place for such a long time, the fact that we’re communicating on a better level hasn’t sunk in completely yet.

Her gaze moves over my face, and I think this is the first time I’ve seen her look like a concerned big sister.

“You look awful. Rowan would want you to take care of yourself.” In true Isabelle fashion, she grimaces and adds, “He’d at least tell you to comb that bird’s nest out of your head.”

Lifting a hand to my tangled hair, I laugh. A real one, for the first time in days.

A ghost of a smile appears on her lips. “Come on, we’ll get you something to eat.”

“Okay.” Wiping away my tears, I stand up and give Rowan a kiss on the forehead. It’s the only part of him that isn’t tubed up, taped up, or punctured with a needle.

Chapter 8

Grace

The hot chocolate Igot from the cafeteria feels good going down, but my stomach still rumbles, crying out for more sustenance.

“See?” Isabelle says. “I told you, you need to eat. You’re coming home with me tonight even I have to drag you kicking and screaming.”

I glower. She’ll do it, too, so I’m not going to argue. “Thanks for coming,” I whisper. “How’s the apartment?”

“Very fancy. I’m loving it.”

“I knew you would.” She’s staying at Rowan’s apartment and dog-sitting Ember since Mel has her hands full with a newborn. “How’s Ember?”

“She sits and whimpers at night while she watches the door. I think she knows something is wrong. I mean, Rowan has disappeared, and so have you.”

Guilt swamps me for neglecting Rowan’s beloved pet. “Poor girl. I hope seeing me tonight will comfort her. Thanks for looking after her.”

Isabelle shrugs. “No big deal.”

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