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So I do the only thing I can.
I close my eyes and pray darkness will find me.
* * *
Iwake with a start.
It takes me a second to realise where I am. Whose arm is wrapped around my waist, holding me tight as if he’s scared I might disappear at any moment.
I’m frozen in place while Theo snores softly behind me.
It’s late, darkness shrouding the room.
I must have slept the entire day away. Which means I need to pee.
Gently, I move Theo’s arm away and try to shimmy to the edge of the bed. My body cries out in protest, but I swallow the pain, determined to do this.
Managing to sit up, I give myself a couple of seconds.
A couple of seconds too long.
“What are you doing?” Theo murmurs from behind me.
“I need the toilet.”
“Why didn’t you wake me? I’ll help you.”
“I can do it by myself.”
“Raine, come on…”
“Fine.” I admit defeat because my body is too weak and everything hurts too much.
Theo climbs out of bed and comes around to me. Hair everywhere, a sleepy expression on his face, he looks adorable. “Okay.” He bends down a little. “Wrap your arms around my neck.”
“What?”
“I’m going to carry you.”
“Theo, I don’t need carrying. I can—”
“Just humour me, sunshine.”
Relenting, I wrap my arms around his neck, and he lifts me, cradling me against his chest. “How are you feeling?”
“Like I got hit by a truck.”
“Raine…” He grimaces.
“Too soon?”
“What am I going to do with you?” He gives a little shake of his head as he carries me into the bathroom, carefully lowering me to my feet.
But he doesn’t release me. Instead, he leans in, touching his forehead to mine, and inhaling a shaky breath. “You’re here,” he whispers.
My heart aches at the vulnerability in his voice. Aches with the desire to fix this—fix us. But I don’t know if I can, not this time.
“Can I… kiss you?”
