Page 44 of The Lost Melody

Clicking on the video, I feel the press of bodies from the guys as they watch with me. Instead of claustrophobic, it makes me feel safe.

There’s an explosion as the fire takes hold on the video. “Oh shit,” I say in awe.

“I think I’m going to have to take you to blow some shit up, Lennon,” Orion says, a note of awe and amusement in his voice.

“I think it’s partly this place, it’s destroyed so many lives, I’m so glad to see it’s gone,” I explain, eyes glued to the screen.

I watch the fire burn for a few minutes, happy to see the hospital cease to exist.

“The next and last photo, whenever you’re ready, is what remains of Hidden Hills,” Greg says.

Clicking to the last photo, I grin widely at the charred, black remains of hell on earth.

“Thank you,” I gush happily, as if he just gave me the best present on earth.

“Anything for you, Lennon. You can keep the computer for a bit, but there’s a few other things we need to talk about,” Greg tells me.

Nodding, I lean back, keeping the computer on my lap. Shifting my eyes to him, I incline my head to give Greg the floor.

“The most pressing thing at the moment, is that there’s a price on your head,” he begins, and I blanch.

I swear all of the blood in my body heads for my toes and I weave where I’m sitting. I wasn’t expecting him to say that. My ears are ringing and I force myself to breathe.

Large hands curl around my face forcing me to look up. Crystal clear green eyes stare at me.

“Lennon, you’re safe, and we’re keeping you that way. Take a breath!” Orion commands and I gasp in another breath. Keeping his eyes on me, he says to Greg, “Think you could work on your delivery next time, dick?”

“I’m so sorry, Lennon, I really am a dick. I’ve been sitting on this for twenty-four hours and got impatient. Plus, Orion already claimed the job, so you’re not in danger,” Greg says sheepishly.

“You did?” I wheeze up at Orion and he grunts.

“I’m going to do something really odd, can you bare with me?” he asks, still leaning over me and holding my face. “No one make fun of me,” Orion mutters.

Picking the laptop off my lap, he hands it to Roark who is sitting next to me, chewing Greg out. Roark takes the computer, rubbing my thigh as he does.

Pulling me up to standing, Orion takes my seat and then pulls me into his lap. Blinking at him in surprise, he barks, “Alright, shut the fuck up everyone!” Glancing over at Greg, he says, “Sorry, boss, but you’re fired.”

Greg huffs. “He’s been on the team for like a day, and he’s already giving me shit.”

Team? How much have I missed?

Turner leans over and smacks him over the head. “I’m starting to think Orion should explain this to Lavender,” Turner grumbles.

“Can someone tell me what’s happening?” I ask, very confused.

“Yes, but first, are you comfortable?” Orion asks.

“I am, I could be more so, though. Are you against cuddling?” I ask, negotiating.

His lip twitches. “Nope, not at all. Go for it. There’s a lot to cover, and it physically hurts me to watch you spiral. So, I’m going to cuddle the shit out of you while we go through it, okay?”

I hold in the giggle that wants to bubble up, pressing my lips together. Greg’s delivery is what made me freak out, if it had been said differently, I may have been alright.

Snuggling into him, his arms wrap around me. I peek at Turner who is across from me, and smirks at me. ‘Brat,’ he mouths and I wink at him.

I don’t need to be coddled, but it’s been a rough couple of days to say the least.

Orion tugs on one of my braids and I look up at him. “Are you a hair puller?” I ask him, and he huffs a small laugh.

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