Page 8 of Midnight of Ashes
Not only was I going to turn into a giant, flying lizard, but I was also going to turn into a sex maniac. Awesome.
Knox stroked a hand over my cheek. “We’ll get you through it. It might be scary the first time, but we’ll all be there.”
Maddox cleared his throat. “I’m going to get Hayden something to eat. We’ll start with soup.”
He was gone before anyone could respond.
Cáel glared after him.
So not everyone would be there. Not Maddox. And certainly not Easton.
Cillian bent, his lips ghosting over my temple. “It’s going to be okay.”
Pressure built behind my eyes. The urge to cry was so strong, but I knew if I let the dam break now, the tears would never stop. So, I forced them down, something I was becoming far too good at. But I’d have to get even better.
Because even though I was tied to five men, only three of them wanted me. And I wasn’t sure if that was because of who I was or because of the damn bond.
5
HAYDEN
“You’re sure you feel up to going back to class?” Knox asked for the twelfth time this morning.
I fought the urge to throw something at him. “I stayed in bed for four days and took it easy for another three. I’m starting to go stir-crazy.”
Cáel pulled me into him, but the action was gentle, as if I were made from the most delicate glass. “You should take at least another two weeks.”
I pinched his side lightly. “I’m fine.”
And I was starting to lose it with the way the guys were hovering. Maddox and Easton kept their distance, but there was still that air. Even now, Easton stood by the front door, simply waiting, not saying a word.
There was tension between him and the rest of his brothers. Tension that had guilt gnawing at me. Yes, it was Easton’s cruel words that had sent me running. But I was the idiot who’d run out of the club without protection. But every time I tried to talk to Easton, he dodged me.
I never thought that I’d prefer Easton’s snide comments and rude remarks, but they were a hell of a lot better than this careful silence. Everything about the way things were was too quiet. There was no laughter or life. The guys didn’t tease and play. And they sure as hell weren’t touching me.
My mouth pulled into a scowl as I bent to pick up my backpack. But Cáel snatched it up before I could lift it. I glared at him, extending my hand.
“I’ve got it.”
I narrowed my eyes, not moving my hand.
Cáel averted his eyes.
“You shouldn’t be lifting heavy things,” Knox said softly.
I turned to face him. “Marcus said I’m 100 percent healed.”
Knox wasn’t so easily cowed by my angry stare. “He also said that you need to take it easy for another week.”
“As in, I shouldn’t start training for a marathon, not that I can’t carry my own bag.”
“Let them take care of you, Little Flame. They need it,” Cillian said, striding through the entryway, looking devastating in his black suit.
My glare shifted to him.
Cillian just laughed and gently tugged me into his arms. His lips brushed over my temple. “I’m glad to see you’re feeling better.”
I grumbled something not all that warm and welcoming under my breath. But my body was a complete traitor. It came alive under the briefest touch. It was as if my nerve endings stood and stretched, reaching for more of Cillian. Only I knew I’d never get it.
