Page 109 of Nyx

"Whatever you want to eat will be fine," she says.

I know a lot of people would grow frustrated with the indecision, but it's not something I'm going to focus on right now. She doesn't have a great history with people doing things for her without expecting anything in return, and since it can't be fixed tonight, I opt to just let it go for now.

"I think burgers and fries would be amazing," I offer.

"That does sound good," she says, a small smile of gratitude on her beautiful face.

"Any allergies? Preferences?"

Her eyes drop as if asking for what she wants may cause problems, but I watch her pull in a breath before raising her eyes to mine.

"I love bacon," she says. "And extra lettuce."

"You got it," I say, finding the menu items listed in the app.

"Can I ask one more favor?"

"Anything."

"Would it be a huge hardship to wait outside while I shower? It's just that—"

I hold my hand up, halting her words.

"You don't have to explain. Lock the door behind me," I say and walk toward the front door. "I have to let the guys outside know what's going on. Enjoy your shower."

"Thank you," she says.

I wait to hear the deadbolt click into place before walking to the parking lot.

Holler rolls down the window in his SUV as I approach.

"She's asking me to stay inside with her," I explain.

I wait for a snide comment, but there's not even a glint of humor in his eyes.

"That's not the worst idea," he says. "How do we handle security then?"

"I've been patrolling around the building the last two nights," I say.

"We had some woman named Chrissy come and ask us what we're doing. Apparently, someone noticed us and called her," Holler says. "She doesn't seem very impressed with guys standing guard or walking around the building. Says it's going to scare the other residents."

I know exactly who he's talking about. It's the same woman Juliet explained was the leasing agent.

"I think with me inside, and you in the parking lot for backup if something happens, is enough. Don't you?" I ask.

"I do, but let me check with base and see if they have alternate suggestions. Do you two have plans to leave, or are you here for the night?"

"We're not going anywhere. I'm ordering food for delivery. She has literally nothing to eat in there."

"Want me to have someone shop for groceries?" he asks.

"She wouldn't be very impressed with that," I say, looking over my shoulder and watching the front of her apartment.

"Nothing wrong with an independent woman, even if her being back at the clubhouse would make it a little easier for us to manage."

"Want dinner?" I ask. "We're getting burgers."

"Thanks, man. That would be great," he says, shocked in a way that makes me feel like an asshole.