"Better," I say. "Thanks to you."
A blush blooms on her cheeks as she brings over a bowl of stew.
I struggle to sit up, wincing.
"Here, let me help." She sets the food aside and slides her arm around my back.
My breath catches at her touch.
Gently, she eases me up and arranges the pillows behind me.
Our faces are inches apart.
Her lips part slightly, and her gaze drops to my mouth.
Desire courses through me. I nearly give in to the magnetic pull between us.
But no, it's too soon. I don't want to take advantage of her kindness. And the last thing I want to do is scare her off which is apt to happen after all she and Yara have been through.
This is the time to take things slowly, and to let her take the lead. She'll come to me, if she wants to, when she's well and truly ready.
And I'm absolutely willing to wait.
Clearing my throat, I reach for the stew. "This smells amazing. You didn't have to go to so much trouble."
"It's no trouble." She tucks a lock of hair behind her ear. "I like taking care of you."
A lump forms in my throat. When was the last time someone had said that to me?
I take her hand, running my thumb over her knuckles.
"Thank you, Alina. For everything."
She smiles, giving my hand a squeeze. "We're in this together."
Together.
The word settles around me like a warm blanket.
With Alina by my side, I could face anything.
I savor the stew, the rich broth warming me from the inside out.
Alina watches me eat with a satisfied smile.
"This is incredible," I say between bites. "Where did you learn to cook like this?"
"My mother taught me."
Her expression turns wistful.
"Cooking was one of the only ways we got to spend time together. She worked so much..."
I set down the bowl, sensing there's more to the story. "You must miss her."
Alina nods, her eyes glistening. "Every day. I wish..."
She stops herself, shaking her head slightly.