"You can swear if you want," Lily said, carefully applying antibiotic ointment. "I won't tell anyone."
"I don't need to swear."
"Your knuckles are turning white."
He glanced down, forced his fingers to relax. "I've had worse."
"That's not the brag you think it is." She began wrapping his palm in clean gauze. "It just means you've been hurt before and handled it alone. That's not tough. That's just... sad."
"Wow. Thanks."
"I'm serious." She secured the bandage with medical tape, smoothing the edges with more care than strictly necessary. "When's the last time someone took care of you when you were sick?"
The question landed wrong. She saw it in the way his expression shuttered, the way his shoulders went tight.
"I don't get sick."
"Everyone gets sick."
"Then I handle it."
"By yourself."
"Yes." The word came out sharp. Final. A door slamming shut.
Lily filed that away—another piece of the Alex Carmichael puzzle she was slowly assembling. Jesus, this man was so intent on shutting himself off and away he couldn’t help but flinch from kindness like itmight burn him.
When's the last time someone took care of you?
She had a terrible feeling she knew the answer.
"Okay," she said, keeping her voice light. "New plan. You're going to rest?—"
"I can't rest. The turtle nest?—"
"I'll check on it."
He stared at her like she'd suggested tap-dancing on the reef. "You?"
"Don't look so horrified. You've walked me through it. I can handle taking notes and observing from a safe distance.”
"It's not justlooking at sand. The signs of imminent hatching are subtle. You have to know what you're?—"
"Then tell me what to look for." She planted her hands on her hips. "Write me a list. Draw me a diagram. But you are staying in this cabin, drinking fluids, and letting your body fight off whatever's trying to kill you. End of discussion."
"This isn't a negotiation."
"You're right. It's not. I'm telling you what's happening." She grabbed his water bottle and thrust it back at him. "Drink."
"Lily—"
"Drink the water, Alex."
He drank. Grudgingly. Glaring at her the whole time.
"Good boy," she said sweetly.
"I will throw this water at you."
