My eyes flick to the glass of water Lorraine left on the bedside table. “I… I don’t know. Defence mechanism, I guess…”
Soren notices my gaze and leans back to grab the water. He reaches around my head and helps me lift it carefully. I push myself up onto my palms and take a small sip.
“Thank you,” I whisper, after swallowing.
Soren says, “Again,” already bringing the cup back to my mouth.
I look up as I swallow, and for a beat our gazes lock. It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, like the rest of the world doesn’t exist, like it’s just Soren… a regular guy, not Mr. Sinclair, just taking care of me. We both get lost in it. I forget the water, forget to swallow, until it’s dripping down my chin and I choke.
Soren snaps out of it too. “Shit.”
He puts the water down as I cough, then uses the hem of his own shirt to gently wipe my chin dry.
I lay back down, that small effort already draining me. Soren still hasn’t moved, still just sitting there, straddling me. I sigh, not really sure what’s happening here, not really sure what he wants. It’s not normal to be straddling someone who’s supposed to be resting.
I look up at him and ask quietly, “Do you… want sex or something?”
Soren stares at me like I’ve lost my mind. He frowns, almost scoffing. “What?No.”
“Oh.”
He looks genuinely confused. “Doyou?”
I shake my head quickly. “God no… I mean… no offence… just…”
I gesture weakly at myself, my pale, bruised, stitched-up state, hoping it’s explanation enough without words.
Soren nods. “Do you need anything?”
I almost laugh, thinking to myself,yeah, maybe some space to rest and gather my thoughts, but I can’t say that. I just shake my head. “No…”
Soren hums, narrowing his eyes. “Let me know if you need the toilet, I’ll help.”
I choke on my own saliva as I swallow and whisper-shout, “What?! You are not…Christ… you are not helping me use the toilet! My legs are fine!”
Soren doesn’t even laugh; he just watches me intently.
I sigh. “Do you mind if I rest, please?”
Soren nods and starts to lay back down.
I blink. “What are you doing?”
He laughs softly and lays down facing me. “What does it look like?”
I stare at him. “I’m okay now. I’m home… you don’t have to… bewithme.”
Soren says, voice gruff, “Shut the fuck up, kid, go back to sleep.”
I whimper, emotions getting the better of me. “Soren…”
He searches my face. “What’s wrong?”
I cry a little, the tears stinging the fresh stitches. “Pleasego away.”
Soren frowns, concern etched into his features. “No. Not happening. What’s wrong with you? I haven’t seen you or held you for too long.”
I close my eyes and gently cover my face with my hands, whispering, “I’m…hideous.”
