Page 220 of Toxic Kiss

“Pain.”

With a shaky finger, he points to the meds on the counter. He winces, jaw locking as he trembles.

“I’ll get it for you, but let’s get you over to the bed.”

“But…”

“Don’t argue with a wet naked woman.”

Cy tries to smile, but it fades quickly, and he jerks a little as if there is an invisible knife stabbing him. Wrapping his arm around my neck, I put mine around his waist, and with what seems like a great deal of effort, he pushes himself up enough to walk.

We make it to the bedroom, and I help him lie down before rushing back out to get a glass of water and the pill bottles. I hate that I don’t know what he needs.

Cy is on his side in the fetal position, trembling, when I return. Seeing him like this scares the shit out of me.

“Which one?” I hold them up one at a time.

“That…one.”

I read the instructions before opening the bottle and dropping a single pill into my hand. I help him to sit up enough to take it and a mouthful of water, then I watch helplessly as he flops down like that few seconds of strain is just too much.

Guilt fills me. We did too much. Whatever this is, it doesn’t like it when Cyrus exerts himself.

“What else do you need?”

“Nothing.”

“Okay, I’m going to put some clothes on. I’ll be right back.”

“But…I like…this look.”

I smirk. “I bet you do. That’s what has done this to you.”

Before I can move, Cy reaches for my hand.

“No, not you.”

His eyes beg me to agree.

“Are you feeling up to answering some questions for me?”

He nods. “Why?”

“Because I’m going to figure out what is happening to you.” Cy’s gaze locks with mine. “Don’t bother trying to argue. I’m doing this.”

“Okay.”

I kiss his cheek, then jump up quickly to get dressed and grab a coffee before sitting down with my laptop on the bed beside him. Cy rolls over to face me, and I decide the best place to begin is the beginning.

“What was the first symptom you noticed, and when was it?”

“Not long after…Patrick died. Pain.”

“What kind of pain? Sharp piercing, throbbing, a deep ache.”

“Deep ache and stiffness. Sometimes a stabbing pain that steals my breath away.” He licks his lips. “Sometimes swelling.”

“Okay, and where in your body?”