Sunshine. Butterfly. Angel. Sweetheart. Ro.
Those words mean something to me.
I’m buried too deep in the darkness to figure it out.
Someone’s talking. To me or not, I’m unsure.
“—remember, Ro? It was perfect. You, Dec and me. We stayed out there all night, staring up at the stars. You learnt all the constellations so you could tell us each one—you were so proud.Iwas so proud of you. Do you still remember, Ro…” the words fade off.
“She’s got a fever.”
“Mase, turn the fan—”
“I wish we knew you before, Sweetheart…”
“I’d walk through hell and fire just to see you smile, Angel…”
“Please, baby.Please be okay.”
“We need you, Rory. Fight it,fight them.We’re here. You’re safe. We’re watching over you, Sunshine.”
Please, Butterfly…
Chapter 20 ~
When I wake, I know my fever’s finally broken and I nearly sob with relief.
I flex my toes and there’s still a dull ache but nothing like before.
I have vague memories of the guys. Taking turns forcing me to sit up and swallow tablets. Switching out washers to keep my temperature down and holding me as I sob.
With them…I can’t find it in me to bury my pain anymore.
It’s dark around me. There’s little light coming from the window.
I look across and nearly weep when I see Maverick, soundlessly sleeping on my right.
I shift closer. I study his face—his sharp jawline, incredibly long eyelashes, messy brown hair. His features are softened in sleep, relaxed.
His hand is stretched out, halfway between us like he was reaching for me in his sleep.
I lace my fingers through his and his eyes pop open. Shit, I didn’t mean to wake him.
“Rory, are you okay? Do you need more tablets? Are you hot?” Maverick turns robotic, sliding his hand under the pillow to check the time on his phone before he feels my forehead. He does all of this still looking half asleep.
I slowly reach up and grab his hand still pressed against my forehead. He stills. Then he looks at me—actuallylooksat me.
“Rory?” He breathes, like he doesn’t want to get his hopes up.
“I’m okay,” I tell him, my hand sliding up under his shirt to rest on his chest.
“Thank fuck,” Mav half laughs. He kisses me tenderly but desperately, like heneeds this.
I sigh into his kiss, feeling like I’m coming home.
“How are you feeling?” Maverick breaks our kiss, searching my eyes.
“Still a little achy but nothing like before,” I reassure him.
