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I struggled to sit upright as a coughing fit took over. That darkening sky I had been staring at was smoke from the fire, which explained why I smelled like smoke.
“You’re all fucking stupid,” Duke muttered as he slipped a hand behind my back and helped me sit up.
I tossed a glare in his direction, but he was already turning away from me, grabbing a cup of water for me. He pressed it to my lips, acting like I didn’t have two hands of my own. But when I tried to take it from him, he narrowed his eyes at me. Relenting, I took a sip of water. The cool water felt like heaven to my parched lips. When I finished, I rested back in bed and closed my eyes. I was more than happy to tune everyone out. But there was still the matter of Duke being here.
“Is there a reason you’re sitting by my bed?”
“Actually, there is. Did you guys ever think of leaving a few men behind in case something like this happened?”
“Like what?” I asked, confused by his question.
“You know, a massive explosion that would knock out the entire OPS company.”
My eyes swiveled to Fox, who was still happily eating his nasty snack.
“Well, most of them. He’s just a relentless bastard.”
“Again, why are you here?” I asked, refusing to meet his brilliant blue eyes. I could get lost in those eyes if I didn’t look away. I hated how much of an effect he had on me, and though I desperately tried to ignore the connection between us, every time he showed up, my lady parts did a happy dance that he was near.
“Because someone had to drive the ladies here, for one. And second, there’s no one else here to keep watch over you. Not to mention, a few of the guys are hassling the staff.” He gave a shoulder shrug. “I decided to take pity on the nurses.”
“Then go watch over them,” I snapped.
A wide grin split his lips as he stared at me. “But you’re so much more appealing than any of them.”
I rolled my eyes, wincing at the pain that shot through my head from the movement. Just then, the curtain jerked open and Edu tossed his cup at Duke’s head.
“I said I needed some more water! Where’s the fucking nurse?”
Duke stood to his full height and ripped the curtain back in place after stomping into Edu’s space. “She left me in charge because you’re an asshole.”
“I need water!”
“You need to be nicer to the staff.”
I heard his loud groan. “I fucking hate hospitals. Just bring me the paperwork and I’ll check myself out.”
“And how are you going to sign with a broken wrist?”
“I’ll use my teeth!”
Duke’s deep rumble vibrated through my body, sending the most delicious tingles between my legs. Damn, I needed to get laid.
“—lay back down before I tell her you need a colonoscopy!”
The curtain was jerked back and Duke stalked back over, slopping his giant man-body in the chair beside me. “Fuck, that guy is driving me insane.”
“And everyone else?”
He waved his hand. “Cash is insisting on leaving immediately, as if I didn’t know that would happen. I stuck Eva next to his bed. That seems to be helping somewhat. Most everyone escaped with a few bumps and bruises. Slider had to be taken for more tests.”
That made sense considering he was still recovering from several concussions.
“What about—”
Heels clacking on the floor distracted me from what I was about to ask. Quinn came rushing into the large room, looking around desperately for Scottie. Her eyes landed on Duke and she scowled. “Where is he?”
“Um…”
