Chapter 52. It's for Your Own Good

S:

The sky is a slow gray when I open my eyes.

It takes me a second to realize I never left her room. I’m still on the edge of her bed, clothes wrinkled, spine aching, heart heavier than ever.

She’s still asleep.

Breathing soft. Tangled in the sheets I tucked around her like a prayer I didn’t know how to speak aloud.

I rise quietly. My knees crack, neck stiff from staying up half the night—watching her, checking her temperature, wiping the sweat from her forehead after the fever kicked in. Alcohol always does this to her. Hits too hard. Leaves a trail of fire in its wake.

I step out into the hallway.

A maid walks by.

“Something light,” I say. “For the hangover. Soup. Toast. Bananas if we have them.”

She nods. “Yes, sir.”

“And ginger tea. No sugar.”

I’m not in the mood for the gym. Or a meeting. Or Kieran’s voice.

I just want—

Her to feel better.

I head back to the room and open the windows slightly.