But for once, she doesn't.
"Fine," she says quietly. "But you tell me everything. No more secrets."
"No more secrets," I agree.
I guide her out of Runes' office and down to the basement, my arm around her waist, supporting her weight.
She leans into me, and I can feel the exhaustion radiating off her like heat from a fire.
The basement is cool and quiet after the tension of Runes' office.
I settle her onto the bed, pulling the covers up around her, and she lets me fuss over her without arguing with me—which tells me more than anything else how wrong she feels.
"I'm going to get you some water," I say. "And crackers, if I can find them. You need to eat something."
"I'm not hungry."
"I don't care. You're eating." I press a kiss to her forehead. "Stay here. Rest. I'll be right back."
She catches my hand before I can pull away. "RJ."
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry." Her eyes are bright with unshed tears. "For sneaking out. For not telling you. For all of it. I was stupid and reckless and I put us both at risk."
"You did." I squeeze her hand. "But you're here. You're safe. That's what matters."
"I love you."
The words hit me the same way they did the first time—like a sucker punch to the chest, stealing my breath.
I don't know if I'll ever get used to hearing her say that. I hope I never do.
"I love you too." I lean down and kiss her, soft and lingering. "Now rest. We'll figure this out together."
I leave her in the bedroom and head upstairs in search of food.
The clubhouse is starting to wake up—I can hear movement in the bar, the distant sound of someone making coffee in the kitchen.
Normal sounds. Normal morning routines.
But nothing feels normal anymore.
I find crackers in the kitchen pantry and grab a bottle of water from the fridge.
One of the prospects—Hakon, I think—gives me a nod as I pass, but he's smart enough not to ask questions.
Whatever he sees in my face must tell him this isn't the time.
When I get back to the basement, Dalla is already asleep.
She's curled on her side, one hand tucked under her pillow, the other resting on her stomach.
Even in sleep, she looks pale.
Tired.
Like she's fighting something her body doesn't have the resources to handle.
