Page 69 of Obsessions of the Heart

Fingers squeezed mine, and I looked down, connecting with a swirling set of sunburst eyes encapsulated with a seafoam green. “You're safe. Everything is fine. You're at our house.” Looking around, my heartbeat settled down as I realized this did look similar to Ravi and Rion’s rooms. It was just slightly different, more barren.

Roux. This had to be Roux’s room.

Taking a deep breath, I turned to Ravi, about to ask him what happened, but I was met with wide orbs and a wild intensity that made my skin crawl. Leaning back on instinct, I blinked, then the look was gone, replaced with the kind, sweet set I was used to. “W-w-what happened?”

He scooted closer. His gaze traveled down my body, snagging on my middle until his lips pressed into a thin, tight-lipped line. “Someone tried to run you over while I was getting the car.” Running a shaky hand through his hair, he continued. “I knew something was wrong, just had a feeling in here.” He clutched his stomach. “I heard tires squeal and ran as fast as I could. I was barely able to get to you in time to knock you out of their line of view.”

His hand lifted, running a gentle finger down my torso. “I hurt you trying to save you. Can you forgive me?”

Tears formed in his eyes, and my heart strings tugged. My hands cupped his face, and although I winced at the sudden movement, I kept my eyes strong on his watery ones. “You have nothing to be forgiven for. You saved me. I should thank you.”

I tried to sit up but stopped halfway because of the pain. He recognized what I was doing and propped himself up, his forehead resting on mine in return. “Don’t ever be sorry for doing right by me. It hurts me deeply to see you agonize over something I would never blame you for.”

His whole body shook, eyes screaming his need, as his hands hovered over me. “I want to hug you, kiss you, bask in your glory so badly, but I know you need time to heal.” He blew out a ragged breath. “This was harder than I thought it would be.”

I laughed, instantly regretting it when I cringed in pain. “Don’t make me laugh, Rav. It hurts.”

His hesitant smile made me want to laugh again, but he quickly shook his head, drawing his brows down as he frowned. “No laughing for you, little missy. Only healing.”

Winking at him for his effort, I settled back down just as Rion and Roux came into the room. Roux’s head snapped to me, then his brother, before he stomped over and smacked Ravi’s head. “Ow!” Ravi cried out as he rubbed his head and looked back.

Rion lifted a brow at his brother, glaring at him. When he spoke, his voice was cooler, deeper than usual. “You said you would get us as soon as she woke up.”

Ravi grinned, not sorry in the least. “You snooze, you lose.”

Roux stepped forward, hand raised, but Rion snatched it, shaking his head at him before he faced me. “Layrin, we need to talk.”

Woah! My heart skipped a beat. He never used my name anymore, so this must be serious. I made a move to sit up, not liking being the only one in a vulnerable state while talking about something critical.

Ravi helped me by propping some pillows behind me. Leaning onto the bed, he whispered, “Nothing to worry about, my love. We just need to let you know some more details about the situation we’re in.” He winked, and I closed my eyes for a second, trying to calm myself down.

“I'm sure you asked Ravi what happened.” Receiving a small nod, he kept going. “We tried to figure out who was behind it, but we don't know. It was an unmarked car with blackout windows. We even talked to Cinzia about it, and she couldn't find any indications of who was behind it.” His eyes shifted to the left, making me think there was more to the story, but at the moment I was too shocked that he’d talked to Cin and they were both still alive.

Rion took a big inhale, and Roux crossed his arms as Ravi settled his hand on my forearm. “While talking to Cinzia, we all decided it would be best if you moved in with us—for your safety, I mean.”

My whole body froze, not comprehending what he’d just said. “Wait.” I lifted my hand like he was moving too fast. “Cin was fine with that? She said those exact words?” Looking at all of them, I waited for confirmation of words I never thought I would hear her say.

Rion’s lips wiggled before he settled down. “Yes. You can call her if you want.” He bent over and set my phone right next to me before straightening up. “We had a discussion, and it was determined by both parties that your safety was much more of a priority than our differences. Roux already went to your dorm and picked up your things with Cinzia’s permission.”

Roux nodded. “She was adamant that you call her as soon as you get up.”

I was still reeling from the fact that my friend and roommate, who’d vowed to dislike “Ambros” at all costs, was now siding with him. This must mean that the accident was really serious, but… Could it really have been an accident? Why would anyone want to kill me? I still didn't understand.

Rion continued. “We were thinking that you would want to keep to the regular schedule of switching rooms for the night, but if that’s too unsuitable for the long term, someone can offer to give you their room while they bunk with one of the others. It's up to you.”

He was so matter of fact, so firm, that it didn't really give me any wiggle room to argue. “No, I don’t want to throw any of you out of your rooms. Better yet, I can take the couc—”

“No! Hell no! Not while you're healing!” Ravi’s panicked protest had me running my hand through his hair, trying to calm him down. He seemed very agitated by me being hurt, but I needed him to understand that I was a big girl.

“It's okay, Rav. I don't mind. Plus, it's not that bad.” I lifted up my shirt, revealing a huge bruise that ran across my torso. My jaw dropped in horror as I realized just how bad this looked. Ravi already started to make weepy sounds, while Roux had begun to growl. Even Rion’s eyes had darkened. I couldn’t really blame them. This was the worst bruise I’d ever seen.

“Please. Please, Rin. Please stay in our rooms, in comfort. I won't be able to sleep knowing you're on the couch after I caused you so much pain.” He glanced up at me, and a tear fell from his pleading eyes. It hurt me to see him like this, to have him beg me so earnestly. It made me want to give him the world even though I was the one in the bed.

Something took over my body. I swiped away the tear with my thumb and put it in my mouth. I closed my eyes for just a moment, relishing the sweet taste of his tears, and almost moaned until I realized what I’d done. My eyes snapped open to all three of their wide-eyed, open-mouthed faces.

“Oh my god” spilled from my lips as I turned to Ravi. “I’m so sorry. That was super creepy, and I don’t even know why I did that.” Unable to bear the brunt of their shocked stares, I lifted the blanket and covered my face. Stupid, Layrin! Stupid! What the fuck is wrong with you? Who the fuck licks up a person’s tears and likes the taste? Psychos. Psychos like to do that, Layrin! Aaahhh!

The bed dipped before a hand landed on my calf, drawing soft, sensual circles. Warmth spread from that spot, running up my leg and helping me settle down. “Rin, don’t worry about it. There’s nothing to be worried about. In fact, I think Ravi is about to have a blissed out seizure.”

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