Page 59 of Soar

But now? When he had nothing to do but worry? It was too obvious to ignore.

The worry felt as deep as a knife, sinking in right through his heart. The need to hold Gregori, to reassure them both he was fine, went just as deep. At some point, his heart had taken Gregori fully in. Even Salem wasn’t sure how or when it’d happened, only that Gregori was incredibly precious to him.

Shit, what timing for a realization. When Salem couldn’t even do anything about it.

It felt like an eternity went by before they got the all clear. Salem didn’t know precisely if Gregori was all right, but he tried to take no news as good news. The building hadn’t collapsed, there was no sign the bomb had gone off, so odds were very good his dragon was fine.

Salem repeated the mantra a few times as his heart still felt wrung out from the stress.

They were a touch slower putting everyone back into their rooms. People were half worn out already from the mad rush; there was no need to push themselves to make some arbitrary speed record. Once everyone was settled back in, Salem took a second to text Gregori.

Ok?

The response was quick.

Ok. Bomb defused. I’m in one piece.

Only then did Salem feel like he could breathe. He put a hand over his heart, breathing out slowly, before answering.

I’m relieved to hear it. Meet you at home?

Ok.

He read through the conversation again and frowned. Something was off. Normally, if Salem texted him, Gregori would call back. It was one of those annoying-cute habits of his. He preferred phone calls over texts. And if he really had defused the bomb already, why hadn’t he come back to Salem? So much of this felt out of character.

Salem’s gut said something was very wrong here. His head was inclined to agree.

His office door opened and Alexis popped in.

“Hey, how’s Gregori?”

“He texted saying the bomb’s defused, and he’s fine.”

“Uh-huh…and you’ve got your frowny face on, why?”

“It’s…out of character for him to text back.”

“Awww, look at you,” Alexis cooed. “Actually knowing your boyfriend and shit.”

He just wearily looked at her. Must she? No, this was Alexis, so she must.

She caught his look and cackled. “I came in to tell you surgeries are likely canceled for today. They want to do a thorough sweep of the hospital before they resume anything. Emergency surgeries only.”

“Ahh. Not surprised.”

“But now that I’m here…have you talked with him yet?”

“Alexis.” He sighed, already resigned to having this conversation although he’d really prefer to skip it. Really.

“Oh my god, you haven’t!” Alexis rocked onto one hip, eyes rolling off into the sunset. “Why do I try? Why? You’ve got the emotional maturity of a three-year-old in terms of romance.”

“Harsh. True, but harsh.”

“At least you can admit it, though, which is progress. Whhhhhhhy haven’t you told this amazing man who spoils you that you at least like him?”

Well. For one,likewas too shallow of an emotion for what he felt. Salem thought about saying so, then decided, what the hell. When did he have secrets from her, anyway? “It’s not accurate. I…think I may be in love with him?”

Alexis stared at him for a long second, jaw dropping, then stumbled despite the fact she was standing still.

---