Page 53 of Tears of Revenge

She’d been worried? Hadn’t Marcus and Varos told her he’d be fine? “And why would that be?”

“You passed out.”

“I did.”

“You could’ve died.”

Chuckling, he pushed himself to a sitting position and leaned against the headboard. “It takes more than a little blood loss to take me out. Didn’t Varos and Marcus tell you that?”

Avalon dropped her gaze to her book. “They did, but still. It scared me. I needed to know for myself.”

He reached over, hooking a finger under her chin and redirecting her attention to him. “I’m sorry I scared you, but there truly was no need to worry.”

“I know that now.”

He leaned back and closed his eyes, still feeling the effects of the blood loss. “Good.”

“You should eat.” And before he could stop her, she was gone.

He dozed, only opening his eyes again when Avalon re-entered the room, trailed by Marcus. Avalon held a plate in each hand, one piled high with sandwiches and the other with fruit. Marcus followed behind with drinks.

“Where is yours?” he asked as she handed over one of the plates.

“I’m fine.”

He immediately turned his scalding gaze to Marcus.

“Hey! Don’t give me that fucking look. I told her she should drink.”

“And as I said, I’m fine,” Avalon snapped, ending the discussion.

Marcus laughed, backing out of the room with his hands held up in surrender.

Avalon returned to her book while Lysander refuelled. When both plates were empty, he set them aside and pushed himself to lay down again. The moment his head hit the pillow, her fingers were in his hair.

Then she froze and her timid voice filled the room. “Unless you would like me to leave.”

“I enjoy your company, but you can leave at any time if you feel like it.”

“I’ll be sure not to wake you if I do.”

“Thank you.”

He dreamed of having her naked beneath him while she fed. It had been a lifetime since he’d had a woman that close to him. No, he hadn’t been entirely celibate, but he’d never kept anyone around for more than a night or two. Avalon was different. She was here to stay—or so he hoped. Just like Varos and Marcus, he was wrapped around her little finger.

It was late morning when he awoke again. Avalon was still next to him, a book in one hand and holding his with the other.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty,” she giggled, setting the book aside.

“I’m beautiful?”

“Fishing for compliments?”

He laughed and sat up, careful not to let go of her hand. “Have you been here all night?”

“Yes. It was relaxing, but not as good as sleeping. How are you feeling now?”

“Like new.”

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