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He wrapped his arms around her and stood, lifting her with him. He stepped out of the hot tub with her in his arms. He set her on her feet beside the counter, and grabbed some towels. He wrapped one around his waist, and she took a moment to admire how bright and beautiful his tattoos looked after their bath.
She traced her fingers across his phoenix and watched goosebumps pop up from her touch.
He grinned at her, and she was again struck by how sexy he looked. His towel did little to hide his arousal, but he seemed determined to ignore it to make the night into a pampering session for her.
Gently, he dried her from head to toe, kissing her all over as he did. Then he wrapped a towel around her, set her on the counter, picked up the hotel-provided hair dryer, and took his time brushing and blow-drying her hair. He hummed her favorite song while he worked.
The motions both soothed her and made her sleepy.
When he finished, he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to bed.
“I’m not feeble, you know. You don’t have to do this,” she said.
“I know. I want to. I enjoy taking care of you.”
She wasn’t used to this kind of treatment — to having someone care for her. She always took care of herself. But the love and affection Ryker showed her blew her away— she could easily get used to this.
He pulled back the bedding and laid her on the mattress. He pulled the covers over her and gave her a kiss. “Be right back.”
She relaxed into the soft pillow while he went into the bathroom. Like the hot tub, this bed was also almost heaven. After the bath, massage, and everything Ryker did for her, she almost felt like she’d taken a muscle relaxer. He’d managed to wipe all the tension from her body.
When Ryker returned, he flicked off the lights. He’d slipped into his boxers and brought his gun and their phones, which he put on the nightstand.
He climbed in beside her and pulled her to him so that her back was to his front. He spooned her and wrapped her in his arms.
“You had the right idea about spending my nights with you and letting the other guys be on active duty. Best idea ever,” he said.
“Absolutely agreed.” She settled back against his warmth. She yawned, pulled her pillow close, and snuggled against it.
“Get some sleep.” He kissed her cheek. “Dream of all the naughty ways I’m going to wake you up in the morning.”
“Mmmm... yes, please,” she murmured. Almost immediately, she fell asleep.
* * *
Jade’s phone chimed around 2:00 am. The ominous noise startled her from a dead sleep.
She reached across Ryker, who stirred but stayed asleep, and grabbed her phone from the nightstand.
She fumbled in the pin number and opened her texts.
The text from Rosé contained an address and said, “Come alone at 3:30. I know you’re awake. Don’t tell the bodyguards or your friend pays for your indiscretion. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Fury shot through Jade. Rosé wanted to battle? Fine. Tonight would end this.
Chapter 25
Jade
The house at the address Rosé sent stood at the end of a dead end street outside the city. There were no streetlights and the house was dark except for a single bare lightbulb that eerily illuminated the front porch. The place looked rickety and abandoned.
Jade’s taxi pulled up out front and stopped. Jade absent-mindedly fiddled with one of her earrings while she looked around.
“Are you sure about this, lady? This is a rough neighborhood. I don’t feel good about leavin’ you here. Let me take you back to that fancy hotel of yours.”
Jade wasn’t entirely sure about this, but she had to do it for Lyra. She felt like this was a trap, but didn’t see another way.
“I’ll be fine. Thanks for the ride.” She handed the driver cash, then climbed out of the car.
