Both Hope and I melt right then and there. It’s hard to imagine that less than a day ago, I was tied to this man’s bed. That I feared for his sanity. That I passed out when he cut himself.
Thankfully, that’s all in the past now.
All of it but our new scars.
As if on cue, the A on my stomach tingles. It’s a delicious kind of prickle that reminds me of Alaric.
“Wait, you shouldn’t be standing.” Concern flashes on Hope’s face as she slaps a hand over her forehead. “You were sick. Lilith said you woke up better at noon, but you must still need rest. Come on, we can keep talking in the living room.”
Dammit, I forgot how much I hate lying to her. While Alaric’s hand rubbing my shoulder helps, unease keeps churning in my stomach.
“Thank you,” he says as we head to the couch. Our seats are still warm when Alaric and I take them. “I should be good as new tomorrow.”
“That’s great and—” Hope gasps when she realizes a cup of steaming mint tea and a chocolate chip cupcake wait for her on the coffee table. Her favorites. “Lil.” She pulls me into her arms for another hug. “You’re the best.”
“It’s not much.” It truly wasn’t. We stopped at the bakery Alaric deemed the best in the city, at least until Hope opens hers, and grabbed a box of pastries. “Especially since you’ve been so gracious about letting me take care of him.”
In many ways, that’s the truth. I did take care of him. I held strong and showed him my love transcends every hardship life throws our way.
Because I adore him. Because he would do the same for me in a heartbeat.
Hell, without him, I wouldn’t even be here.
“Pfft, it was literally nothing. Besides.” She relaxes back into the couch, cradling the mug between her hands. “While you’ve been away, I’ve had hours to perfect my recipes and work on my business plan. I mean, I would never say no to this”—shemotions to the cupcake and raises her cup—“but it’s not necessary. I’ve been doing…okay.”
When her cheeks turn crimson red, my eyebrows lower, and I lean forward. “What are you hiding?”
“I…” The breath she blows over the cup is shaky. “I’m going on a date tomorrow.”
Alaric’s hand splays on my back in less than a second. He’s incredibly in tune with me. Right now, he must be picking up on the overprotectiveness that heats my blood and makes my hands ball into fists.
Hope turned eighteen a few months ago. This is the first time she’s been in a big city. I’ll kill anyone who takes advantage of that.
“Who?” The question spits itself out of me.
“He’s safe. More than safe.” Instead of recoiling, Hope has that dreamy look on her face. “He’s a doctor at the hospital. One of the interns.”
“Who?” It’s Alaric’s turn to get all overprotective.
One look at him, and it’s obvious he’s willing to say absolutely not, depending on who that doctor is. Warmth spreads across my chest at that.
If I trust anyone’s judgment of character, it’s his.
“Uh, this is starting to feel kind of…” Hope’s gaze dances between Alaric and me, her eyebrows wagging playfully. “You do realize that just because my birth parents are assholes, I’m not in the market for new ones, right?”
Alaric’s short laugh catches us both by surprise.
Hope’s lips part. “I had no idea he had that feature.”
“I haven’t had a lot of reasons to laugh in a while.” He curls his fingers around my waist, yanking me close until I’m tucked into his side. “Then there was Lilith.”
Flames lick at my cheeks. Awareness and goosebumps flare across my skin.
Calm the fuck down.
“Anyway.” My friend clears her throat. “It’s Isaac Nilson, from neurology. Red hair, blue eyes, about this giant’s height.” She gestures to Alaric.
“I’ve worked cases with him.” Alaric offers me a subtle nod that reassures me that this Isaac person is okay. “He pays attention, doesn’t cut corners. I’ve seen him stay late for consults he didn’t have to take. He’s nice to everyone. I approve.”