Page 69 of Ash Storm

Ash

He opened the door to find Alexia holding a covered baking pan.

“It’s lasagna,” she said, pushing it towards him. “For Reka. I tried her room, but she wasn’t there. Dark thought she might be here.”

There was no judgment in her eyes.

Ash moved aside to let her through.

“No. She’s probably tired. Tell her I’ll come over to meet her tomorrow.” Alexia’s bright eyes darkened for an instant. Ash imagined Dark had told her the whole story. “But if she needs anything—if either of you needs anything—you know where to find me.”

She placed her hand on Ash’s arm.

“Thank you for the clothes, Alexia.” Ash had recognized the leggings and the cream top that had been left for Reka. “And thank you for … everything.”

Alexia smiled a luminous smile. She was a damn fine human being. She and Dark had found forever together, and Ash was happy for them, even if he didn’t envy Dark the enormous responsibility.

He shrugged.

Some men might be okay with that kind of responsibility.

But not Ash.

There was no forever waiting for him, and that was a good thing.

He closed the door and walked to the small kitchen counter, where he put the dish down.

“Who was that?” Reka asked, walking over. Ash smiled, realizing she’d been drawn by the smell.

“That was Alexia, Dark’s girlfriend. She made this lasagna for you.“

“For me?” Reka asked, looking surprised.

“She’d like to meet you tomorrow, if you’re feeling up to it.”

“That’s really nice of her. Is she part of your team as well?”

Ash pondered that for a moment. “An unofficial team member, I guess you’d say. She and Dark met during a mission. They live right down the hall. But she’s actually a teacher. ”

“It’s still warm,” Reka said, licking her lips. “Is it okay if I eat some now? I’m starving.”

Ash grimaced. Of course she was. She’d had some soup and a sandwich in the helicopter on their way to Zurich, but nothing since.

He quickly grabbed a bowl and spoon and served her a sizable portion, then sat opposite her at the table.

She took a first bite and chewed carefully. Her face lit up in a slow smile, her pleasure evident. Behind his jeans, his cock hardened.

“This is incredible. Are you sure you don’t want any?” she asked, waving the fork in his direction.

He shook his head. It wasn’t food that he was hungry for. “I’m good,” he said.

She ate half the lasagna in her bowl, then put the fork down.

“I thought I could eat it all … I guess my eyes were bigger than my stomach.”

That was to be expected, after everything that had happened.

She sat quietly for a long time.