“Sure did. Are you up for eating it?”
I blink back my confusion. In the office, he’s still Big Bad Bossman, but in my apartment…
It’s great and all, but honestly, a little confusing. “I am.”
“Good.” He gives me a warm smile. “Want to change while I set everything out?”
I nod and then turn back to my room, grabbing clothes before I head into the bathroom. I step into the shower, washing up, and then climb out and brush my teeth and hair before I dress in comfortable clothes.
I find Emma already eating her dinner, chicken noodle soup, while Rush sits at the table with her, waiting for me.
“Guess what?” she asks.
“What M&M?” My chest aches at her enthusiasm. She seems more comfortable every day and today, I had that feeling that this house of cards I tried to build is about to fall. How long can I hide here?
Rush and Vigo are part of the same world. It might be time for me to leave and go far, far away.
“Birdie’s eating. And Rush says that Killian might come visit tonight.”
I look at Rush, trying to hide the real worry in my eyes. He gives me a long look before he speaks, “If that’s all right.”
“Of course.” I give him my best smile, before I pry open the lid to my soup container. It smells amazing. Getting up, Iretrieve a few bowls, setting one down for each of us. Then I spoon some of the soup from my container into the bowl.
“How are you feeling?” he asks, the back of his fingers brushing over my cheek.
“Better. Hungry.” I look at him before I look down again. “Thank you for asking.”
“Do you need to take tomorrow off?”
“No,” I shake my head. “I should be fine.” I take a bite of my soup, the chicken broth soothing my sore throat and infusing me with some energy.
Rush’s hand comes to my leg as we both eat, silence falling around the table.
I look at him through my lashes wondering what comes next. Is Vigo going to be a frequent visitor here? Should I tell Rush the truth? Run before anyone connects me to Vigo?
A knock sounds at the door. I start to rise, but Rush puts pressure on my leg, getting up to answer it himself.
He opens the door, stepping inside as Emma lets out a cry of joy. “Uncle Lian!”
Killian told me he’d help me. Does that offer still stand?
“Hey, M&M. How’s Birdie?” he asks, even as she runs up to take his hand, pulling him toward the cage.
“I saw Birdie eat today,” she repeats. “I think he’s getting better.”
Killian sits on the floor, looking into the cage with Emma, as Rush returns to the table with me so we can finish our dinner.
“The soup is very good. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he says as he runs his hand down my arm. “You sure you’re feeling all right? You don’t seem like yourself.”
I shrug, glancing away. “I’m fine, just recovering. How was your day?” I pause for one second. “How was the meeting with Mr. Sinclair?”
“You can call him Vigo,” Rush rumbles, but I hear Emma gasp, her eyes swinging to me, wide with fear.
“How did it go?” I ask, as she comes over to me, climbing into my lap. I know she recognizes the name. I shouldn’t have asked except I’m anxious to assess the risk and decide what to do next. The food has infused me with some energy but now I’m just worried.
“It went fine,” Rush gives me a thin smile.
