jerk. I really need my partner to understand, to be supportive, to be someone I can tell all this crazy crap to without worrying he’ll think I’m a freak. This isn’t some competition, Beau. If you were the one to reach DES, I’d be jumping for joy, excited for you and the rest of the base. This is a big freaking deal. We might just survive this. But all I want to do is…” My skin flushes with a clammy sweat as the floor undulates under me.
“Do what?” Beau asks.
“Puke.” I rush for the trash can. Kneeling over it, I heave out the two pain pills and the dregs of my lunch from so very long ago. A sour smelling bile gushes out next. Ugh.
Beau crouches next to me. He sweeps my hair back, holding it out of the way. His other hand is on my forehead. His palm is cool and comforting, helping to dampen the spike of pain that is hammering on my skull in time with my dry heaves. When I’m done, he pulls me from the rancid stench. Scooting back, he holds me to his chest, supporting me as I regain my breath.
“You forgot one thing,” Beau says when my heart rate returns to normal.
“Oh?”
“When you said I was talented and smart.”
Figures he’d remember that. “Did I say that? I must have been hallucinating.”
He ignores the jab. “You did. You forgot to add how incredibly handsome I am as well.”
I groan. “How could I forget your giant ego?” But inside I’m smiling because my Beau is back.
The door opens. Niall takes one step inside the office and stops. He’s staring at us. At that moment, his resemblance to his father is almost uncanny. Seems a supernova glower can be inherited. Who knew? Not that I blame him. I’m still wrapped in Beau’s arms, pressed against his very muscular chest. And why did I only notice his muscles now? Oh boy. Niall’s nose crinkles and he glances at the noxious trash can.
I try to move away, but Beau’s arms are like iron.
“You good?” Beau asks me.
“Yeah.”
“Help her stand,” Beau orders Niall, releasing me.
Niall grabs my wrists and pulls me to my feet. Except my legs have turned into two overcooked carrots that refuse to hold my weight. I sag, but Niall scoops me up as if I weigh nothing. Opening my mouth to protest, I meet his gaze and wisely keep quiet. I suspect this is more for him than me. Men.
“Should I call Dr. Edwards?” Beau asks.
“No. All I need is food and rest,” I say before Niall can say yes. “I’m sorry about your trash can.”
“No, you’re not,” Beau says with a smile.
True.
“Go get that rest.” He shoos us.
Niall carries me out. Radcliff is still at his terminal. Although his gaze is aimed at his screen, his stare is distant. Morgan has disentangled.
She spots us. “You know most people would have escaped the blockade, made contact with DES, and called it a day.”
“You mean the lazy underachievers?” I ask.
Morgan laughs. The sound erupts from her gut in short bursts. Finally! Is it strange that I’m more proud of making her laugh than breaking through Jarren’s blockade? Probably.
“They also know their limits and wouldn’t need to be carried because they exhausted themselves,” Niall says.
“I’m feeling better, you can put me down.”
His hold tightens. Guess that’s a no. So I endure the indignity of being carried like a baby back to my unit and into my bedroom.
Niall lays me on the bed. “No one showed up for dinner so I came looking for you. Are you hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Stay here.” He jabs a finger at the bed before turning on his heel and leaving.
As much as I’d love to remain, the vile taste in my mouth just won’t be ignored. I sneak into the washroom while Niall is busy in the kitchen. Brushing my teeth is pure heaven. Of course, he’s standing on the other side of the door after I finish freshening up—that’s code for using the toilet, washing my hands and face, and combing my hair. His arms are crossed.
“It’s been a really long day, and I needed to use the washroom,” I say in my defense. No softening in his posture. Fine. Let’s see if he can maintain his overprotective stubbornness. “Okay, you’re right. I’m still not steady.” Ah there’s a bit of give. “I need a shower. You can join me and make sure I don’t fall.”
He drops his arms in surprise and steps back.
Score!
Then