Page 91 of The Broken Aztec Princesses

“Don’t leave without saying goodbye!” I called after him.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

Chris and I ate the food Bells brought, and when we were done, I rested my head against the headboard. I was drained and all I wanted was to stay here in silence. A sudden noise had me opening my eyes, and I saw him blushing and sitting up straight. I closed my eyes before he could see me looking at him, and then opened one when I thought enough time had passed. He was sitting in the chair and nodding off. Taking in a sharp breath every time he startled awake.

“Why don’t you go sleep?” I asked him.

“I’m okay.”

“You’re falling off the chair. You didn’t even get a nap like I did at the ER,” I reminded him.

“I can sleep here,” he insisted.

“Why? Your room is just on the other side of the bathroom.”

I didn’t get it.

“I’m not leaving.”

“Ch—”

“That woman is still here and there’s no dungeon. I’m not leaving.” Chris crossed his arms stubbornly.

I sighed, not wanting to argue, so I slid down in bed and moved to the side.

“Come sleep on the bed, then.”

“It’s—”

“You already slept in my bed once. If you’re not going to leave, then get over here and rest.” He looked around the room as if expecting someone to jump out and tell him it was inappropriate. “Chris, you literally held me in your arms for over twenty-four hours after you rescued me, and then you slept in the same room as me for almost a month. Unless I make you uncomfortable now, come get some sleep.” I patted the side of the bed.

He sighed and got in bed, settling so close to the edge, I was tempted to push him off and laugh. Instead, I passed him one of the pillows and settled down on my side of the bed.

Sleep came pretty quickly, but sometime in the middle of the night, I woke up when I thought I heard someone speaking. I didn’t open my eyes, willing myself to go back to sleep, but then I heard a voice again. I opened one eye, finding myself cuddled against Chris’ chest again. His arms were around me and he sighed before I felt a kiss against my hair.

“I won’t let anyone hurt you, again. I’m sorry I failed you, Little Warrior.”

“You didn’t fail me, Chris,” I whispered.

Chris tensed and I felt him start pulling away, but I held onto his shirt.

“Don’t pull away,” I pleaded, giving his chest a small kiss I wasn’t sure he felt, but it was the only part of him I could reach.

“I-I’m sorry. I thought you were asleep. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“I’m sorry you think you failed me.”

He moved to pull away again, but I still didn’t let go of his shirt. Maybe it was the pain, the exhaustion or almost dying, but I took a deep breath and took the plunge.

“Do you like me, Chris?”

“I—Of course, I do. You’re my—”

“No. You know I’m not asking if you like me as a friend, or as an assignment. Do you like me, Chris?”

I allowed him enough room to move back so he could look down at me as he thought about it. I was nervous, feeling vulnerable as I hung onto the man by the shirt. If he said no, I would feel embarrassed and crushed. Still, there was a small part of me that felt proud. This wasn’t something I ever thought I’d be capable of doing.

“I do, bu—”

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