Chapter 70

XANDER

I've got a skip in my step as we walk up the stairs with Adriana.

I'm sure anyone could smell her nervousness from a mile away. It didn't help that she was making it extremely obvious. Her breathing was coming out in short ragged pants.

I've asked her if she was okay four times now. And we haven't even gotten up the second flight of stairs.

I didn't want any surprises. Or finding out she was sick and it wasn't just a ploy to distract me. When I volunteered to carry her over my shoulder, she stopped making any sound altogether.

"I'm just kidding. I'll carry you in my arms. You liked it the last time," I assure her.

I smiled as I recalled how she had fallen asleep in my arms. It is the best thing that has happened to me all year.

"So I'll wake up dead this time? No, thanks. I'll pass." She scoffs.

I could not very well tell her it was her mother that did th