My brows pinch. “Uh, why?”
His steely voice tells me his patience has worn down hours ago, so I dig out my phone from my back pocket and place it in his palm. He fingers the keyboard, getting past the lock in ways I don’t want to know, and then passes it back to me without one ounce of emotion other than anger on his face.
“Use my fucking number.”
That’s all he says before he walks out.
I stare at my phone screen, the new contact set as the number two speed dial next to my voicemail system. He moved Mama and Grandma to third and fourth, making sure his name was the first I’d see.
Looking over my shoulder at the open door, I sh
ake my head, shut it, and change. After washing up for bed and brushing my teeth, I curl under the blankets and nuzzle the pillow.
My door cracks open sometime later, but the mattress doesn’t dip right away. Without turning, I assume Dad or Cam is checking in on me. I appeased them earlier by eating a couple pieces of dry toast from the hospital cafeteria while we waited for me to be discharged. I didn’t bother eating more when I got home, nor did I feel like arguing with them on the matter.
According to the hospital scale, I’m a few pounds heavier. It took me by surprise considering my lack of appetite these days, but the ten pound difference was shown on two different scales when I mentioned my doubt.
Cam said it was my clothes, since I wear more layers this time of year and Dad seemed happy that I was gaining weight. After dropping too much to be considered healthy without really trying, I suppose it shows that I’m finally turning in the right direction.
When the bed dips after what feels like forever, the comforter is pulled out from around me until a warm body is nestled against my back.
Kaiden’s arm wraps around my stomach, and his breath tickles the back of my head. “Are you feeling any better?”
I wiggle into his hold, resting my back against his front like usual. “A little. I’ve just been getting headaches, that’s all.”
He makes a disbelieving sound.
We’re quiet for a while. “Kaiden?”
“Hmm?”
I let out a tiny breath. “I’m sorry I worried you.”
His hold tightens. “You didn’t.”
Rolling my eyes, I say, “It’s okay to be worried, you know. I won’t tell anyone. It can be our little secret.”
I yelp quietly when he yanks me until I’m on my back and he’s hovering over me. “I can think of other secrets to keep between us that are a lot more fun.”
Biting my bottom lip, my hands go to his sides and hold onto his loose shirt. “I doubt you want anything right now. I got sick today, remember? Not very attractive.”
He lowers his bottom half onto me, his erection disproving my words. “Trust me, Mouse. I want you.”
I swallow. He smirks.
“What if I didn’t brush my teeth?”
“I can smell the mint toothpaste.”
He leans down slowly.
“What if I tell you no?”
“Then I’ll stop.”
His lips are so close to mine.
Our breaths mingle. “What if I told you that I’m sick?”