Page 18 of Burning for the Billionaire 8

Devlin snorts. “This has nothing to do with you.”

Isabelle gives Devlin her signature icy stare. Even I almost shiver. “Try to lay those awfully made-up eyes on mysister’sman and see what happens,Dev. Seriously, who did your makeup, Bozo the clown?”

A snicker escapes me, and I quickly purse my lips.

Devlin’s lips part and then close as if she isn’t sure how to respond. I bet she’s never had a showdown with someone bitchier than she is.

“Oh, nothing to say?” Isabelle feigns shock. “That’s what I thought. Now, walk yourself through the exit in your last-season Manolos. Try to go into Rowan’s room and I will crush you like the cockroach you are.”

I’m so tempted to stick my tongue out at Devlin like a child.

“Don’t test me, Dev,” Isabelle adds.

Devlin glares at Isabelle and then at me. “I’ll reach out to Rowan later.”

With that, she wheels around and stomps out of the waiting room.

I turn to Isabelle. “Wow. Thanks.”

She shrugs. “No one gets to be a bitch to you... except me.”

“Right. I was going to tell her to get lost, too, but not quite as colorfully as you did.”

“It’s an art.” She flips her shiny blonde hair. “Now, let’s go home, get your hair under control, and find you some proper clothes.” She gives me a once-over and grimaces before sashaying off.

“Big sister dearest,” I grumble, rolling my eyes. But thank God she’s here.

***

For the next four days, I spend more time at home than at the hospital—mostly because Ember is depressed over Rowan’s absence. Everyone is breathing a little easier now because Rowan is off the ventilator. Things are looking up.

It’s late afternoon and I’m back at Rowan’s side, rubbing my tired eyes as I open up the notes Ashley emailed me. But in my current state of mind, studying isn’t working out. So, I ditch the notes and pull my chair closer to Rowan to chat.

I tell him about my day, about Ember missing him, and I give him an update on little Adam. “So, Isabelle is still here,” I tell him. “You should have seen her the other night with Devlin. It was hilarious. Devlin ran out of here with her tail between her legs. You won’t believe what that woman did after that, though... or maybe you will. You know she’s awful.”

Letting out a tired sigh, I have to shake my head, remembering the stunt Devlin pulled when she didn’t get her way. “Devlin altered a reporter to your exact location, which meant Mel and I had to work overtime to protect your privacy against the hungry media.”

It’s been extra hard on me, considering Mel has mostly been out of commission, taking care of her newborn, but I don’t mind. I’d do anything for Rowan.

“I managed to keep the reporters out, but now there’s a small army of media people always waiting outside.” Gazing at Rowan, I add, “It’s okay, though. They’ll back off after a while.”

As I stare at him, that sliver of dread about him not making a full recovery if—when—he wakes up, kicks in. I hate when those negative thoughts appear, but I just can’t keep them away. To distract myself, I keep talking.

“Yesterday, your mother showed up asking if you were awake yet. The nerve of her, right? I was about to sic Belle on her.” I giggle. “I swear, she’s like a pitbull in heels and designer clothes. But I handled Rebecca myself.”

I take his hand. “I had to step up to protect you, Rowan. Just like you’ve looked out for me since the morning you pulled me out of that fire. I told Rebecca to get lost. I wasn’t quite as mean as Belle would have been, but I got the job done.”

My heart leaps when I feel Rowan’s fingers move in mine. I shove down my excitement because he’s had involuntary muscle movements before. But when my gaze jumps to his face, drowsy blue eyes stare back at me, and I instantly burst into happy tears.

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