“Glad my first aid training came in handy at long last.”
Natalia applies some butterfly bandages to his arm, and then she comes with me to my bedroom to examine my side. Stripping off my pajama top, I cover my hideous fake boobs with my arms as she gently probes the bruising that stretches from my rib cage to my hip bone. “Nothing is broken,” she confirms. “Keep applying the aloe vera, and I’ll give you a prescription for anti-inflammatories. Take Tylenol to relieve pain, and I’d recommend a warm compress for a few days. It’ll help to ease the ache and will support reabsorption of trapped blood. Warm baths would be good too.”
“I’ll do that. Thank you.”
I pull my robe on, intending to shower and dress and maybe go out for a walk. Some fresh air will do me good, and I can visit the pharmacy while I’m out.
“Can we talk?” she asks with a soft smile.
Bile crawls up my throat, but I can’t be rude to her. “Okay.” I sit on the edge of the bed, and she joins me.
“Cristian is concerned about you. He thinks something might have happened with your ex last night. I understand if you don’t want to talk about it, but I’m a good listener, and anything you say to me will be confidential.”
It’s nice of her to care, but I can’t tell her the truth. Still, it’s an opportunity I can’t pass up. “It was a toxic relationship, and I downplayed it to Cristian before. I was a little freaked out last night because he made some veiled threats, but I’m okay. It’s behind me now, and he’s out of my life.”
Natalia peers deep into my eyes as she takes my hands in hers. “If you’re in trouble, Cristian will help.”
“I’m not.” It’s hard to look her in the eye and lie, but I do. “My ex is full of hot air, but his threats are empty. I wouldn’t have been so emotional if I wasn’t so freaking tired all the time. I’m fine, though, I swear.”
“Cristian mentioned you’ve been having trouble sleeping. I can write you a script for sleeping pills, and I believe my sister-in-law plans to offer you a few acupuncture sessions too.”
“You’re both very kind, and I appreciate it.”
She squeezes my hands. “I lost my mother when I was a teenager. It was one of the worst times of my life. I still remember how excruciating the pain was, so I understand a little of what you might be going through. Grieving is normal, and it’s different for everyone. Be kind to yourself and let yourself feel. Healing is different for everyone, but in time, it will get better.” Her hand lands on her chest, right over her heart. “I still feel her loss acutely, every single day, but I can talk about her now without bursting into tears or feeling like I’m having a heart attack. Right now, it’s all so raw for you, but it will get better.”
Tears roll down my face unbidden. Though my mother isn’t dead, it already feels like she is. I’m already grieving the life we shared.
Natalia hugs me, rubbing a soothing hand up and down my arm. “You’ll be okay, Sloane.”
When my tears eventually dry, I feel a little better, but I’m embarrassed as hell. “Sorry.” I sniffle, accepting the tissue she offers me.
“You have nothing to be sorry about, honey.” Opening my free hand, she presses a business card into my palm. “That’s the number of a therapist I know, should you ever decide to talk to anyone. Marjorie is wonderful and a very kind lady.”
“Thank you so much. Everyone has just been so nice to me.”
“Family means everything in our world,” she says, rising to her feet. “You’re part of Cristian’s family now, which means you’re one of us.” She hands me a second card. “That’s my number. Call me if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Natalia.”
She pulls me into a quick hug. “You take care of yourself, and let that man outside cherish you. He will treat you like a queen if you let him.”
31
CRISTIAN
Lying flat on my back in bed in the dark, I stare at the ceiling and wish Sloane was here with me. The craving to comfort her is at an all-time high. I just want to bundle her in my arms and kiss all her troubles away. She’s been quiet all day, appearing even more introspective since Natalia left. After FaceTiming Elio, we had takeout for dinner and watched a movie together. Sloane snuggled against me on the couch, but I was afraid to do more than hold her because she seems so fragile right now. Natalia wouldn’t tell me what they discussed—not that I asked—only saying to look out for her.
My head lifts as the door opens and Sloane slips into my room. She nibbles on her lip as she approaches the bed, wearing pink silk pajamas. “Cristian?” she whispers.
“I’m awake.” I prop up on my elbows. “What’s wrong?”
“Could I sleep in here with you? I don’t want to be alone.”
I pull back the comforter and turn on my side, stretching out my arm. “Come here.”
Sloane crawls into the bed, setting her head on the pillow and pulling the covers over her body.
“Closer,” I say, willing my dick to stay down. I’m only wearing boxers, and I don’t want to scare her away.
