Flame (Fire on the Mountain #2) by Erin Noelle Read Free Book Online Page B

cheek. “I have no idea, handsome. I always told you that you had everything you needed right in front of you,” I tease.
    Gabe and I have an interesting history that involves me sneaking in his room when I used to spend the night with Emilia as a teenager. Having a guy a couple of years older introduce sex to me was a blessing. I was always curious, and though the internet can show you so much, it’s nothing like experiencing it physically and mentally. He never instigated anything between us but never turned me away when I’d show up full of questions either. I learned with hands-on training.
    Yes, I crushed hard on him for several years, but after he left for college, I moved on like most teenagers do. I only saw him once or twice after that, when he came home for holidays before their family moved away, and we always kept an easy-going relationship between us.
    “I can’t believe my baby sister just got married. We’re too young for this shit, right?” His expression remains good-natured as he takes a gulp of whatever he’s drinking. Something strong, from the looks of it.
    Nodding, I agree wholeheartedly. “Yeah, I’m twenty-two. Settling down isn’t for another decade at least. I’ve got oats to sow, and shit.”
    He snickers and throws back the rest of his drink. “I always knew you were a different girl, Dakota. Don’t ever settle for less than you deserve. You’re a badass bitch worth keeping.” Setting the empty glass down on a table, he blows me a kiss and walks away, leaving me perplexed. What an interesting conversation that was.
    Still pondering Gabe’s words as I cross the ballroom floor, I notice a bit of commotion around my table. I push aside my current thoughts and rush over to see what happened. Gunner and Emilia are both standing behind Levi’s chair, crouching down to talk to him. Sliding onto my chair, I look over at him and notice he’s sweating, his eyes are glassy, and his skin pigment is slightly green. I was kidding about the whole Incredible Hulk thing earlier, but now I’m wondering what in the actual fuck?
    “What’s wrong with him?” I ask aloud like he’s not right in front of me. For some reason, I think he’s deaf along with his other symptoms.
    “He’s running a fever,” Emilia replies, patting a wet napkin around his neck. “He was sick this morning and went to the urgent care, where they fixed him all up, but I guess the meds are starting to wear off. He needs to get up to his room.”
    “I’ll take him,” I volunteer, popping out of the chair I just sat in. “You and Gunner need to tend to your guests. I don’t have any family here, and I don’t know anyone else, so let me take him up and get him settled.”
    Gunner swings his head around to me, his eyes searching mine for sincerity. “You’ll make sure he gets taken care of?”
    His concern for his cousin melts my heart a little. It’s sweet and rare. I’m glad Emilia got a good guy. Nodding, I smile reassuringly. “Yeah, as long as he can walk. I’m good.”
    “I can walk,” he croaks out, ending his silence and shifting his gaze to me. “Don’t take advantage of me, Sunshine.”
    Everyone laughs as he pushes back from the table. After another round of apologies to the couple, Levi follows me to the elevator bank, where he doesn’t talk for the entire ride up to the eleventh floor.
    He slides the access card to open the door, and as soon as we’re inside, he goes directly into the bathroom and turns on the shower. Being the take-charge person I am, I snoop around the medicine on the dresser and determine what he needs before calling room service for some chicken broth and water.
    The timing works out perfect, as the food and drinks are delivered at the exact time the water turns off in the bathroom. I manage to not sexually harass this poor delivery guy. He’s lucky I’m more concerned about other things.
    A few minutes later, Levi walks out in some long mesh basketball shorts and no