Chapter Twelve
Rylan lifted her onto a stool and went to the refrigerator, where he pulled out several dishes.
Her eyes widened when he uncovered the food. She’d never seen such an array of food, and it all looked good.
Rylan came back with two plates and silverware. “What would you like to try first?”
“It all looks so pretty, but I don’t know what it is.”
He chuckled. “This is a basil pasta. I think you’ll like it.” He pointed to another plate. “This is veal…”
She gasped. “Veal? Like baby cow?” she asked. Oh, God, she’d never been able to eat it.
“Yes, honey.”
She shook her head and couldn’t prevent the tears that filled her eyes. “No.”
He covered the plate, put it back in the refrigerator, came back to her, and pulled her against his chest. “I’m sorry, honey. I’ll tell Karina not to serve that anymore.”
She sniffed and wiped the tears from her cheek. “You must think I’m a baby.”
He tilted her head back. “No, I think you’re a very sweet, sensitive woman.”
“It’s just the thought of it being a baby. It never got a chance at life.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I understand. How about you try some of the noodles? I think you’ll like them, and I’ll get you a bowl of fruit.”
“Yes, please.”
“Go sit at the table. It’s more comfortable.”
She watched him warm up a plate and then set it in front of her. The scent was wonderful, and her mouth watered.
Within a minute, he was setting down his own plate, bowls with fruit, and glasses of milk.
Her nose wrinkled. “I don’t like milk.”
He placed a hand over hers. “I think you’re malnourished, and I want to get you healthy. Can you try to drink it for me?”
Faith sighed, nodded, and picked it up. Thankful it was a small glass, she pinched her nose and guzzled the milk until it was gone. Then she swallowed when she saw the disbelief on his face, and she grinned when he huffed out a laugh.
“That works,” he said and took a bite.
They finished, and she helped him take the dishes to the sink and rinse them.
He took her hand and pulled her back up the stairs and down the hallway. At the door to his master bedroom, he stopped and took her shoulders. “Honey, I can put you in a guest bedroom down the hall, or you can share my bed. It’s your choice. I’d rather it be with me because I’m afraid you’ll have nightmares, and I want to be close by. Just know that nothing will happen between us.”
The thought of being away from him made her heart palpate in her chest. “I want to stay here.”
“Okay. I know it’s a bit early, but I want to get you to bed. I know you need your sleep.”
She tightened her hand. “Where will you be?”
He pointed over to the sofa and chair. “I have a bit of work to do, but I’ll be right there.”
She exhaled and nodded. “Okay.”
“Let’s get you a toothbrush.”