“Maybe … I don’t know what I want.”
He hesitated. “Aria, I know this isn’t the best time, but I can’t lie to you. I could never do that.”
I closed my eyes, taking in his dark musk scent.
“It’s about Sebastian.”
I cut him off. “Please don’t. Not now.”
“I need to.”
I paused for a moment. I wasn’t sure what I was going to hear, but I knew it wasn’t going to be anything good.
“Go on.”
“He’s involved in the Organisation again. He has been for months now.”
I took in a deep breath, exhaling slowly.
That was why he’d been the way he was.
Distant. Unavailable.
The thing is, I think I knew the minute I saw him covered in blood, but I didn’t want to believe it.
“Are you sure?”
“I couldn’t lie to you about that. He’s not the man you thought he was, and he never has been.”
“I … I don’t know what to say.” Was that why he hadn’t fought for us? Why he wasn’t here when I needed him? Because that place meant more to him than I did?
The door clicked open as the nurse walked in.
“I just need to check your blood pressure and vitals.”
I gave her a small smile, and we sat there in silence whilst she got the blood pressure cuff and placed it around my arm.
“When can I go home?” I asked.
Her eyes flicked to Callum, then back to me. “Don’t worry, dear, we can set up the room for your partner to stay with you.”
“Oh … erm—”
Callum took hold of my hand, stopping me in my tracks. “Thank you.”
“As long as all is well, you’ll be able to go home in a few days. Recovery can take four to six weeks after discharge. You’ll need to be looked after.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her.” Callum smiled at the nurse.
“Try and get some rest, and I’ll be back in a few hours to check on you again.”
The nurse left the room, leaving us alone again.
I sat there for a moment, thinking about everything Callum had just told me. His offer.
“Yes,” I said faintly. “I want to go back to Leeds with you.”
54
