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“Siblings?”
“Yes, he’s the oldest of six. He set up the schools and the hospital, and when the local community needs something, they come to him. Our dad died five years ago, and he had to take over being our protector. When he started to go on dates three years ago, he lightened up. The weight of everything had been pressing on him, and then, suddenly, he was smiling. I understand what you were to him, but what happened?”
“From my side, he did something dangerous, and my work put me in the path of it. I was badly injured, and my body fights healing, so I have been in pain for eighteen months. I didn’t know it was him I was on the dates with. He saw my face; I never saw his.”
Leaf’s eyes widened. “Oh, that explains it. Holy hell. Well, I will get you the food. Are you feeling stronger?”
“I am getting control over my body. I have been injured before but not from the brain out. It’s different.” She smiled. “Everything is faster and slower at the same time.”
“I will be right back.” Leaf left.
Xeva reached for the bedside table and pushed herself to her feet. Her feet slid forward as she took her step with her legs stiffened. She took a few more steps and ended up leaning in the doorway, breathing hard. Leaf returned with Jeron behind her, and Xeva locked gazes with her. “Yay. I am up.”
Leaf’s hands were shaking.
Jeron said, “You need to be back in bed.”
Xeva sighed and turned around, walking slowly back to the bed. Jeron extended his hand, and she ignored it, carefully moving until she bumped into the bed, pivoted, and sat down. “Well, that’s one out-of-bed excursion.”
Jeron frowned. “You are pushing yourself too hard.”
“I push harder with broken limbs. I still get up and go.”
He frowned. “You have been injured in the line of duty? I mean, aside from the explosion.”
“Dozens of times. Broken bones, cuts, those are nasty, but crush injuries are the worst for me.” She chuckled and looked at him. “I am surprised you are still here. I am no longer considered an active. It was only our previous association that had me remaining on the BDC roster.”
He nodded. “I know.”
“So, just mail me home, and I will be out of your hair.”
Jeron calmly said, “No. That isn’t happening. You aren’t running.”
“I really want to, but my legs aren’t up for it. Water? Juice?”
He snorted, sat next to her, scooted into the middle of the bed, and then lifted her to sit between his thighs. It was a position they had sat in during picnics. He had wrapped himself around her, and they had laughed as they made their way through the basket. He was big on licking what ended up on her.
Leaf was smiling. “There is water, juice, and a rice bowl.”
Jeron nodded. “Great. She’ll have food and a shower. I will clean the bed, and then she will rest until the morning.”
Xeva snorted. “Someone is bossy.”
“I am in charge of this side of the island. You are on this side of the island; therefore, I am the boss of you.” He kissed her neck and steadied her hand as she reached for the glass of juice.
She took a few sips through the straw and slowly set the cup down. Chopped, marinated fish on a bed of rice filled the bowl. There was a spoon, and Xeva inhaled slowly. “Right. I can do this.”
“I will hold the bowl; you wrangle the spoon.”
“I am hoping you know how to use a broom because this is going to be ugly.”
“I can manage a cleanup. Now, start eating. We need to get you a bath.”
She laughed. “Fine. Here goes.” She scooped up a modest amount and leaned forward to catch it in her mouth. He supported her so she didn’t go face-first into the lunge, and he chuckled when her next bite resulted in chipmunk cheeks.
Thankfully, the bowl was small, and eight scoops emptied it. She sipped at more juice and thudded her head back against his shoulder. “That was harder than getting up.”
He chuckled. “I am glad you managed it. Now, shower or bath?”
