Page 9 of Tempting Fire

Hell, there had to be at least ten red cups on her nightstand, and half that number on the floor. This was not the Chloe Avery that he used to know. That Chloe would have never let her environment get to this level of grime. Hell, she was the Avery sister who used to clean up after everyone.

Her gaze followed his. “Quit looking at the mess. I was going to clean this up later today,” she lied tiredly. She looked so defeated, it was killing him.

“Are you thirsty? Let me get you a glass of water, then I’m going to make you something to eat.”

She let out a shuddering breath. “That’d be nice.” She pointed to the dresser across the room. “There are clean cups. I’ve just been getting water from the tap.”

He stroked his fingers along the top of her foot, then placed it back on the bed. He got up from the bed and snagged a Solo cup and went into the bathroom. When nothing but lukewarm water came out of the sink, he gave up and shut it off. He’d go to the kitchen and get her ice water.

He heard her behind him.

“I didn’t say you could get out of bed.”

“I want a shower before I have to face Zoe.”

He turned to look at her. She was leaning against the doorway, sweat sheening her forehead. He wanted to bundle her up and wrap her in cotton wool.

“Are you saying you wouldn’t shower if Zoe wasn’t outside? I’m hurt.”

She gave him a confused look. “That’s not what I meant.”

“But you’re on the right track, I think taking a bath would do you a world of good. Do you need me to get Zoe?”

“No!” Chloe swayed and clutched the door frame. “I don’t want her in here.”

“Okay Cupcake, it’s just you and me.”

“I don’t want you here either.” He could hear the desperation in her voice. “Please Zarek, just leave.” Her bottom lip jutted out just like it always did when she was boxed into a corner. Normally it made him smile, now it made him sad.

“Not going to happen.”

“That’s the second time you’ve said that, and it doesn’t explain anything. Why won’t you just leave me alone?”

He reached out and cupped her cheek. “Face it Cupcake, you’re in bad shape.”

Her eyes dropped down to stare at the floor. “I’m working my way out of it.”

“You’re not,” he whispered.

Eyes so dark brown they were almost black shot back up at him. He saw them spark fire for a moment, but then they dimmed back to that out of focus nothingness. Back to that depressed woman who wasn’t there. Who wasn’t his Chloe.

“Will you leave so I can take my bath?”

“Chloe, I’m worried about you. I think you need my help.”

She shrugged away from his touch and made her way to the bathroom counter and leaned against it. He saw how she avoided looking at herself in the mirror. He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. How could he not? She stiffened.

“What are you doing?” she asked softly.

“I’m giving my friend a hug. She needs one.”

“Stop.”

He turned her so they were looking at one another.

“You scared me, Chloe.”

“I’m fine. After my bath you’ll see everything is good and you can go.”