His warmth leaves, and when I open my eyes, he’s disappeared into the steam. “Enjoy your bath,” he calls.
I shake my head and try to clear it, but all it does is grow foggier. Maybe the bath will help me figure out what the hell is going on with me. Did I just throw myself at Peter Pan? And did hewalk awayfrom my offer? Why would I do it in the first place? That’s not like me at all. My head mirrors the cloudiness of the room, a mess of precipitation that can’t land and coalesce into anything. Only mist and confusion.
“Oh my god,” I grumble and pull my leg over into the tub, then get in, though I’m careful to keep the bandaged leg up. “I’m an idiot.”
The steam has the good grace not to answer me back in the affirmative, so I close my eyes and pretend it didn’t happen. After all, none of this is happening, right?
The water feels amazing, warm and sweet as it sinks into my pores and washes me clean. It’s a perfect cocoon of warmth, and it soothes all the aches that seem to be mounting inside me. A gift. One I sorely needed.
So why do I still feel cold inside?
Chapter
Sixteen
The boys vanish into the gloom, and after a pause, but not a long pause, for things go so briskly on the island, came the pirates on their track.
“We’re going out to make sure all the cave entrances are secure for the full moon tonight.” Coy sits across the kitchen table from me.
“Cool. Take me with you. I’m tired of being cooped up in here. I hate to say it, but it’s getting boring.” I yawn. I shouldn’t be tired after nearly four days of rest, but I am. I just need to get out and get some air, and I’ll be ready to help with the Hook situation.
“Can’t do it, Moira. Sorry.” He stands and walks to the stove, then pours over the last of the coffee. I only got two cups from the handful we got from town. Though I haven’t told Peter yet, if I don’t get more, I might turn into a homicidal maniac. Actually,chances are looking good if he truly intends to keep me in this cave until he’s finished with Hook.
“Here.” He carefully sets the cup in front of me. “Just take it easy while we secure the cave, all right?”
“You made me coffee to preoccupy me, didn’t you?” I frown at him as I take a sip of the nectar of the gods.
“Maybe.” He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “I’ll be back in a little while.” He squeezes my shoulder.
“Hey.” I cover his hand with mine. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” he answers too quickly.
“Is it because of the full moon? Peter said we’d all be safe down here.” Once the full moon is over, I’m going to have a talk with him about everything—the plan for Hook, the future of the island, and me getting out of here for good.
“We will be.” He pulls his hand away. “Once I make sure all the entrances are covered. Wouldn’t do to have a wolf or the last neverbear tromping around in here, would it?”
“I’m glad the neverbear is still alive. Hook’s minions couldn’t manage to kill it. That’s a win.”
“It is. Just sit tight.” He strides out as I sip my coffee. “I’ll be back soon.”
Curly passes through, a wooden hammer in one hand and some planks in the other.
“Where you off to?” I ask.
“Boarding up the trees.” He sniffs the air. “That coffee stuff smells good, but I’ll tell you what, I gave it a taste—just a pinchmind you—” He interjects when my eyes narrow. “—and it is absolutely awful stuff. I don’t know how you manage to drink it.”
“It’s delicious, and you can’t tell me any different.” I take a swallow just to show him.
“Gross.” He bops the hammer on the table. “All right. I’m going to get this done and then settle in for the full moon.”
“Okay. See you in a bit.”
He dips his chin and continues through the kitchen, disappearing into the hallway.
All the Lost Boys seem to be on high alert, and there’s a current running through them. Maybe through the cave and the entire island. It’s like a constant hum of anxiety, of things to come.
“Hi.” Hands land on my shoulders, and I feel Peter press a kiss to my crown.
