Page 46 of My Damaged Protector

It's on the tip of my tongue to tell them to back the fuck off and give me space, but I don't want to offend them.

I try to rationalize their actions based on the fact that they must just be overwhelmed with gratitude. They probably didn't expect that I'd agree to save him. I think Peter said that much.

After twenty minutes of awkward silence, Peter opts to leave but not before telling Lauren to not stress me too much.

To me, it’s a hint for her to leave me the hell alone, but of course, she just can't read the room.

I order room service, asking her what she'd like to eat. She comfortably lists out her order and then starts to chat my ear off while we wait for the food.

The food comes, and we eat in silence. Immediately, when we're done, she picks up right where she left off.

And you'd think she'd at least have the common sense to talk about something I'd find interesting, but she doesn't. Instead, she makes me sit through hours on end about Peter and her childhood experience with their parents, all in a ploy to get me to like the man.

Here's the thing, though: the man she described as her father is not the same as the one I had as a father, and there's no consistency in her story. Neville left my mom when I was seventeen. I should be older than her by at most, five years. So, for the first twelve years of her life, he wasn't there.

He was with me and my mom, and he barely had time for us then.

What's with the over-the-top stories about all the fun she had as a child?

The only plausible explanation I can find is that most of the things she's saying are made up. And let's say they aren't. Why bore me to death with them?

When it looks like she will never stop, I take matters into my own hands and inform her that I need to get some rest.

Saying I miss the disappointed look on her face would be a lie, but I pretend not to see it.

She gives me a hug before she leaves, and I immediately lock the door behind her, scared that she'll come back with the excuse of forgetting something and refuse to leave this time around.

Finally alone, I take a bath, soaking myself long enough for all my muscles to relax and my eyes drop from sleep.

I crawl into bed not long after that, and I have the best sleep for the first time in weeks.

The next time I wake up, it's to a call from Amanda.

One glance at my phone screen tells me I've been asleep for more than twelve hours.

Damn. That's a long time. I do feel good, though.

“Hey.”

“Why am I hearing through the news that you're in my city?”

“What?”

I shoot straight up in my bed and rest my back against the headboard, my brain not entirely clear from sleep.

“Oh, you've not seen the news yet?”

Something about her tone tells me that I should be alarmed, but I'm too relaxed to do anything otherwise.

“No. What's going on?”

“Nothing you should probably worry yourself about. So, when did you get here?”

“Last night. I had plans to call you later today so we can get the tests done. The surgery is in a few days’ time.”

“Oh, okay. That sounds good. What time do you think you can come in? It's normal procedure for tests to be done before the surgery, so the surgeon scheduled for his case may be around, too. You can come with anyone you want for moral support.”

“Nah, I'm here alone. Well, except for my siblings who I'm certain will be at the hospital tomorrow.”

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