Evan is already asleep when I get back to Cameron’s. Kendra had set up a fluffy air mattress in Marcel’s office, covering it in pillows and warm blankets. He’s curled up, his little cheeks rosy. I sit in there with him for a while, listening to him breathe in deep sleep. It’s peaceful, and when Cameron comes in to get me later, I’m reluctant to leave.
“So where are you going to sleep?” I ask as Cameron folds back his sheets.
“I heard the floor’s nice,” he says. I climb into his bed, and Cameron pulls the blanket up to my neck, making a show of tucking in the corners.
“Seriously,” I say. “Where are you sleeping?”
His eyes sweep over my face. “Do you want me to stay in here?”
“No,” I answer automatically.
He nods, and I immediately regret my answer. “I’ll be out on the couch,” Cameron says. “Doc said to wake you up every two hours, so I’ll be back.”
He leans over and kisses my forehead. He’s too good to me. I don’t deserve it. I really don’t.
Cameron crosses to the door and looks back at me before flicking off the light and walking out.
Sleep isn’t easy. Every time I shut my eyes, my arm starts to ache. My mind won’t shut up either. It’s getting difficult to breathe, like a panic attack. They said my ribs aren’t broken, but there’s a deep pain in my chest. Dread. I don’t want the morning to come.
“Cameron?” I call before I realize what I’m doing. It’s quiet. I glance at the clock and see that it’s nearly one. Everyone is probably asleep. Everyone but me.
But suddenly I don’t want to be alone. Suddenly I’m terrified. “Cameron?” I repeat louder.
There’s a noise outside the door, coming from the living room. Then I hear what sounds like bare feet shuffling across the wood floor. The door opens, and Cameron stands there, his eyes squinted. He isn’t wearing a shirt; he looks so vulnerable.
“You okay?” His voice is raspy with sleep.
“No.” I stare at him. I don’t know what I want; I only know that I don’t want to be alone.
Cameron moves slowly into the room, looking like he’s ready to fall back asleep at any second. He stands at the edge of the bed.
“Move over,” he says.
I don’t immediately. Do I want him to sleep in here? I’m not sure, but I keep my cast above the blankets and slide my body farther in to where the sheets are cold. Cameron climbs in, readjusting the blankets, and curls up on his side.
“Good night,” he says, meeting my eyes.
I stare at him, aching all over, lonely. Cameron blinks heavily but doesn’t close his eyes. He reaches his hand out to me.
“Come here,” he says.
And I don’t argue. For once I don’t argue with him. I move slowly, sliding over and into his arms, resting my head against his chest. His bare skin is hot against my sore cheek, but it comforts me.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my eyes closing.
“Go to sleep,” Cameron says, chuckling. “I’m tired.”
I snuggle into him, liking the way he smells, the way he pets my hair. I listen to his heartbeat, slow and strong.
Within ten minutes Cameron’s breathing deepens and he’s fallen asleep. I put my lips against his shoulder, waiting to see if he’ll stir, but he doesn’t.
“I love you,” I murmur to him so quietly, it’s barely a whisper. I pause, and when he doesn’t move, I close my eyes and fall asleep in his arms.
CHAPTER TWENTY
I wake up tothe sound of Evan’s laughter. I smile before I open my eyes, but when I do, I’m met with an excruciating pain in my arm, chest, and face. I suck in a harsh breath as I try to sit up, which actually isn’t easy with a broken wrist.
Cameron’s room is filled with sunshine, the curtains pushed open. He’s gone, his side of the bed empty, his door closed. My cast lies heavily on the covers, and I stare down at it. My chest and ribs ache deeply, and I pull out the fabric of my T-shirt and peer inside. Damn. There’s dark purple bruising from where Patrick slammed me against the wall.
