I grumble but don’t say anything as I walk into the kitchen. I open the pantry and pull out the IV bag and sit her on the bench.
“Oh, aren’t you just a big shot, prepared for everything?” Her fingers gently brush back my hair. “You are so pretty, Cyn.”
I look up at her. “When it comes to you, yes, I will be.”
She looks away, but not before I see her lower lip tremble. “I messed up.”
“You did, but that’s okay. A little bit of cuddling on the couch and some of Kota’s famous lasagna, and you will be right as rain.”
I get the IV into her arm and hook it up to the rolling stand Vale has brought over. He pulls out a tub of yogurt and walks over to her.
“Can I?”
She stares at him, and I think there’s still pain in her eyes.
“Do you really want this?”
Vale grabs a spoon. “I want you more than I want my next kill.”
Bonnie’s lip trembles. “But you love your kills.”
“I love you more,” Vale says with no hesitation.
Rory sits on the couch. After Vale feeds her the yogurt, he sets her down beside him.
“I’m sorry I tried to break your face, Rory.”
He grins at her. “It was a novel way to find out what that feels like.”
“Did you like it?” I ask with a grin.
He narrows his eyes and flips me the bird when she’s not looking.
“Don’t worry about it. I find it sexy when my lover can tussle with me and come out on top.”
“He does like to bottom,” I say under my breath, but when I look up, everyone is looking at me. “What? It’s true.”
“Not the time, Cyn,” Vale growls.
I roll my eyes as Dakota shoves me out of the kitchen and starts cooking.
“I thought you couldn’t cook.”
“I can only cook this, so don’t get too excited.”
“I love lasagna,” Bonnie says drowsily.
Within moments, she falls asleep.
The collective air we’ve been holding is released.
“Good work, Cyn,” Vale says quietly.
“How is your face?” I ask back with a mocking smile.
Vale snorts. “She has a good arm. Remember that. Also, get rid of old phone books.”
I snort a laugh that turns into giggles. He puts me into a headlock and drags me back to the bedroom, where he closes the door.
