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The ground disappeared as Nik lifted her. He held her close to his chest, and she welcomed the warmth of his body. She nuzzled her head into his shoulder. She inhaled and his scent dazzled her. It only took seconds to place.
Pine trees.
Her eyes drooped and her grip loosened, settling softly on his chest.
The rhythm of his breathing and the jostle of his steps rocked her into a deep sleep, so much so that she didn’t feel the harsh cold of winter when they stepped out from the humid greenhouse.
***
Chapter Fifteen
When Ali opened her eyes again, she was lying in a large, firm bed with fluffy blankets, between sturdy wooden bed posts. The white comforter covering the bed had floral designs sewn into it by hand. Definitely not the familiar cot she slept on every night in her cell. She blinked and placed her palms on the bed, willing the room to stop spinning. She still felt nauseous.
The room had a golden glow to it. Sunset crept through the thin drapes that covered windows on two of the four walls. It gave her a sense of comfort despite not knowing where she was. This place was warm and inviting.
She studied the room. A bowl of water with a rag sat next to her on a nightstand. There was a large wooden wardrobe, one side hanging open. She could see men’s clothing inside. Books and small trinkets covered the surface of two matching bookshelves. A chaise lounge stood in the corner, and she recognized the jacket hanging off the arm.
Nik’s jacket. This is Nik’s room. This is Nik’s bed.
She held her breath and studied her surroundings. She felt like she was seeing something she shouldn’t. Like she was invading his personal space. She wasn’t supposed to be here.
Shifting to her side, she tried to press up on one elbow but had to fall back down immediately. Her body was too weak to prop herself up, and the room spun as soon as attempted it.
Cold sweat broke out on her forehead, and she wiped at it. Her pillow was slightly damp from her fever.
His pillow. This isn’t my pillow. He sleeps here and I’m in his bed. Where is he?
Her mouth watered, and she realized how thirsty she was. And hungry. She must've passed out for several hours if the sun was already setting. She had missed lunch and dinnertime was quickly approaching. She wasn’t sure if she could keep anything down, but she had to try.
The door across from her creaked open softly, and she saw Nik’s hair peek around the corner before the rest of his body followed.
“You’re awake.” He opened the door the rest of the way and walked into the room. “You’ve been out for hours. I was getting worried.”
“You were worried about me?” Her voice was scratchy, like it hadn’t been used in days. She placed her hand on her neck and massaged her swollen lymph nodes.
“Hang on,” he said as he slipped back through the door. She could hear him on the other side, shuffling things around. “I’ll make you some tea,” he shouted loud enough for her to hear.
The kitchen must be connected to his room. She was so curious to know more about his home. She hardly knew much about him at all, but it felt like this house would share his secrets. It would divulge everything she needed to know. She wanted a grand tour, but that would have to wait. She settled into the bed and pulled the blankets up further.
After a couple minutes, he returned with a steaming cup of tea. She tilted the pillow against his headboard and adjusted herself. It was only a slight incline, but it was all she could manage without getting nauseous again.
“Here you go.”
She took the cup from him with shaky hands.
“Thank you.”
The tea was delicious with a hint of citrus, and it felt amazing on her sore throat.
“Feeling any better?” He placed the back of his hand on her forehead and watched her with his steely blue eyes.
“Not really.” She let out a sigh and sank back into the bed. He grabbed the cup out of her hands, clearly concerned she might spill it. Her arms snaked back under the blanket where they were nice and warm. Even being out in the open for a few minutes gave her the chills.
How can I be sweating but still have the chills? My god, he’s staring at me while I look like this. I’ve probably never looked more unappealing.
He reached into the bowl of water and pulled out the rag, dabbing gently at her hairline. Her eyes fluttered shut at the touch. He was good at this. At taking care of someone.
“How am I here right now?” she asked. “I find it hard to believe Rysburg doesn’t have a dedicated infirmary.”
