After The Virus Read Online Free PDF Page B

first strays , Rhiannon thought, and instantly felt more at ease. The girl looked unscathed, definitely loopy, but no bruises. And, even though she knew it was a dangerous thought to have in this chaotic reality, she actually whispered out loud, “Maybe, maybe this is all going to be okay.”
    Then she followed B.B., who was already loping off into the house.

CHAPTER EIGHT
    WILL

    He’d been worried about the introduction, had hoped the presence of the dog would smooth it, but B.B. didn’t seem to register for Snickers. He felt off. Snickers’ shotgun swung from her shoulders, Rhiannon all but radiated heat behind him, and B.B.’s nails clicked on the hardwood.
    They’d settled into a kind of routine, Snickers and him, for the last ten days, but Rhiannon was an unknown, another in a long list.
    Snickers climbed on her stool to stir the pasta sauce she had made. He put the box on the table and turned to catch Rhiannon’s reaction. Rhiannon stared at the working electric stove and raised her hand to flick the light switch. The light over the kitchen table turned on.
    “Electricity?” she asked.
    “Multiple generators,” he answered, trying to stop his chest from swelling too large, but enjoying her amazement.
    Snickers crossed to turn off the light and then resumed chopping carrots.
    “We’re still careful about how much we use,” he said.
    “Fresh veggies?” Rhiannon moaned as she removed her hat to expose her golden hair. He could feel the silly grin taking over his face again.
    “Greenhouse out back, self-watering. It was crazy overgrown, but Snickers has tamed it.” He was happy he sounded steady, despite the grin.
    Rhiannon swayed, dead on her feet. He reached for her despite the wary look Snickers threw his way, but she stepped out of his grasp.
    “You’ll want a shower,” he offered as cover. “The bedroom to the left of the main bath has clothes that might fit.” He indicated the stairs.
    Rhiannon looked unsure, but seemed compelled to ask, “A hot shower?”
    “You wouldn’t want a cold one,” he teased.
    “Right.” She seemed to be lost within her own thoughts.
    “Snickers, we’ll have to pick up dog food for B.B.,” he said. Snickers leaped down to write DOG FOOD on the magnetic list on the fridge.
    Rhiannon looked like her head might implode, and Will worried he was playing it too cool. If B.B.’s appearance was any indication, they’d been through hell and more.
    “Or you could sleep,” he started, but then Rhiannon snapped to awareness.
    “Yes, thank you… I… thank you.” She backed out of the room with B.B.
    Will stepped forward to watch Rhiannon climb the stairs.
    Snickers tossed carrots into the sauce.
    He placed a hand on her tiny head, a gesture she accepted now.
    “Maybe she’ll stay, maybe not,” he soothed, “but we’ll be okay either way. I found some Wagon Wheels.” He pulled the peace offering from the box of supplies.

CHAPTER NINE
    RHIANNON

    The clothes didn’t fit, but she didn’t care. They were clean and actually pretty… well, compared to the black canvas she’d been swathed in. The shower had been hot, just like he, Will, had said. There was honey and vanilla in the soap, and Rhiannon had almost started crying at the smell.
    When she’d stepped out of the shower to make sure the door was locked for the second time, she noticed that B.B. was asleep on the floor. B.B. feels safe , she scolded herself, but then chafed at the idea of a man protecting her. What if, what if , her brain clamored, but never completed.
    She’d heard him calling when she was dressing, but still testing him, she didn’t answer. He passed her open door on the way to the bathroom.
    “Rhiannon? Dinner,” he called.
    “Yeah?” she murmured. He turned back, and she, wearing only a skirt, made sure her bare back faced the door. She knew he’d caught sight. All the air sucked from the room. She pulled her shirt on, noting in the mirror that he stared steadily