Page 68 of Dream Chaser

Moving into my new one-bedroom apartment yesterday had taken all of an hour, a perk of not owning much apart from clothes and toiletries. This morning, as I worked on posts for Aeterno, I couldn’t keep the grin off my face.

My cute sectional would arrive tomorrow. I’d only had time to assemble half of the bookcase, and the desk was in a stack of flat boxes by the living room window.

It didn’t matter. Little by little, I’d fill the apartment with my things. Discreetly, I glanced at Alejandro. My new life was possible thanks to him. Although lawyer’s fees took a huge chunk of my wages, I had a home.

As I finished drafting captions for the posts, my phone buzzed.

Edward.

Alejandro looked up from his keyboard. I gave him a reassuring smile and rose. A call from my lawyer meant there was news. Only one kind would make me happy—knowing Preston had finally received the divorce papers.

“Nova,” Edward said as I slipped into the empty meeting room. “I’ve got an update.”

I curled my fingers over the back of the chair. “A good one, I hope.”

He sighed. “We managed to deliver the divorce papers, and your husband’s attorney wants to schedule a call.”

My breath hitched. What for? I wanted nothing from Preston. I ran a palm over my face, straightening. The room spun like that time at the coffee shop. I clutched the chair, squeezing my eyes shut as I waited for the spinning to pass.

“Nothing to worry about,” Edward continued, “it’s most likely to negotiate a settlement. Like I said, fairly easy without marital assets in common. I’ll keep you updated.”

“Thank you, Edward,” I said, ending the call.

I pushed to stand, and the room tilted. My fingers grasped the air, and I stumbled backward, my back colliding with the bookcase.

“Nova!” Alejandro’s voice was followed by sounds of movement. Then strong arms slid around me to keep me upright. “Look at me,” he commanded, tone firm but soft.

I blinked, then tried to focus on his face, but everything kept spinning.

“What’s going on?” Eleanor asked, rushing into the room with Levi. Nausea rose in my throat at the smell of coffee. I breathed in and out, beads of cold sweat trickling down my spine.

“She can’t stand straight.” Alejandro sounded distant. “I’m taking her to the hospital.”

“No.” I curled my fingers around his forearm. “I just stood up too quickly, that’s all. Just help me sit. It’s not the first time. I’ll be fine.”

“Cancel my meetings for the rest of the day, Levi,” he said, ignoring my words. “If anyone calls, take a message.”

Levi nodded. “Understood. Don’t worry, boss.”

“Alejandro,” I whispered.

“Arms around my neck,” he said. “Look at me. Can you?”

I tried. If only the room would keep still for a second so I could focus my eyes on his face.

“Get me her purse.” Alejandro scooped me into his arms. “It’s gonna be okay.” His scent and warmth surrounded me as he held me to his chest and strode from the office.

I kept my eyes shut until he stepped out of the elevator and into the garage. Still holding me, he managed to open the door and carefully lower me into the passenger seat.

The seatbelt clicked. Alejandro jogged around the car, opened the door, and slid into the driver’s seat. The engine purred to life as he pulled onto the street.

“Talk to me,” he said. “I need to know you’re conscious.”

“I’m fine,” I whispered, even though panic crept in. I blamed the spinning on little sleep and lots of stress, but it had never lasted this long. Never made me unable to hold myself upright.

“How many times has this happened?” Alejandro’s concerned voice sliced through my thoughts.

“Three.” I opened my eyes and a bout of nausea plowed into me. More sweat formed across my brow as I gulped for air. Alejandro rolled the window down, then his warm palm touched my thigh. “Tell me if you’re going to be sick, and I’ll pull over. Are you allergic to anything?”