Just remember the last time you let your body do the thinking, she told herself. As for believing in handsome heroes and happy-ever-afters...
‘I’m fine,’ she said again, as much for her benefit as his.
‘Of course you are.’
In another lifetime, when the vows he’d made were true, that edge to his voice might have been anxiety, but now it was most likely irritation.
‘And you were going to go home on your own.’
She sensed rather than saw him shake his head.
‘Stay still. I’ll get the nurse.’
‘No, I just need a moment. And maybe some water.’ She let her head tip forward, opening her eyes, focusing on his shoes. ‘Could you get me some? There’s a water machine somewhere. It’ll be quicker than asking someone.’
There was an infinitesimal pause and then her shoulders slumped with relief as he straightened. Slowly she looked up and their eyes met. She held her breath as his dark gaze reached inside her, considering her request and his response.
‘Just don’t move,’ he ordered. ‘I’ll be right back.’
She wanted to tell him not to bother, but instead she watched, her pulse skipping as he strode away.
Five minutes later Omar snapped back the curtain, a bottle of water in his hand.
‘Here. Drink this. I’ve—’
He stopped mid-sentence, his pupils flaring with shock and incredulity.
The bed was empty.
Delphi was gone.