If he noticed my reaction, he gave nothing away.
When he was done inspecting me, his hand lingered before he released me.
“Do I get the all-clear, Doctor?”I could still feel his touch.
“Your pupils are dilated,” he said. “You’ve got a concussion.”
“I can have a concussion at my place.”
He sighed. “I had no clue you were this stubborn.”
“I don't mean to be, but I’m fine on my own. I can take care of myself. ”
Theo considered me for a long moment, the air between us thickening as the silence dragged on. “I know,” he finally said. “You’re self-reliant to a fault—but I’m here, and I want to help you. Will you let me help?”
The thought of handing myself over to someone and letting them care for me was such a foreign concept, my body swayed toward him as the pull to surrender took hold of me.
Something told me he could get whatever he wanted with very little effort. “You win," I said. "I’ll stay here. But I need to get a few things from home.”
“If you see Dustin—“
“Dustin can go fuck himself,” I said casually. “If he comes anywhere near me, I’m feeling just rabid enough to punch him in the throat.”
That got an amused breath out of him. “Remind me never to piss you off.”
“Too late, I’m afraid.”
Theo’s laugh had me biting back a smile.
I blinked against the fresh wave of pain in my temple and held out my hand. “Do you have my keys and phone?”
“Wait a second.” He jogged over to the kitchen and returned with my belongings, then opened the door and checked the hallway. Despite what he’d told me about our notorious building manager, Dustin was nowhere to be seen.“I’ll leave my door open,” he said. “You do the same. If you need help while you’re gone, just yell.”
“Deal.” The ache in my throat told me I wouldn’t be doing any yelling for a while. My body blazed with an unnatural heat, and I turned my face into my shoulder, smothering a cough. “I won’t be long.”
Theo looked me over. “Are you feeling all right?” he asked, reaching out as if to check my forehead again.
“I’m fine,” I said, dodging his hand. “All good.”
The aspirin would kick in soon, and by then, I’d be on the road to recovery.
I hid another cough as I walked away from him, and ignored the urge to look over my shoulder.
Just when had I become so adept at lying to myself?
Thirteen
theo
“Ineed backup and bait.” I leaned my forearm against the doorjamb of Tim and Varesh’s apartment, speaking through my mask.
Bollywood-style music drifted from the doorway, along with clattering sounds as Varesh cleaned up in the kitchen.
Tim took a bite of his sandwich. “Am I the backup or the bait?” he asked around the mouthful.
“You’re the muscle.”
His brows lifted. “This is a big moment for me. How’s my girl?”he asked, swallowing.
