Page 84 of Under Their Protection

“Tonight, when she’s out of surgery. There is a very good chance that my parents will be there, but I don’t suspect that they are going to be much of an issue. Harper knows that I was the one who helped her get back on the transplant list.”

“Do you want us to come with you?” Rowan asks.

“I do,” I nod. “Are you mad?”

“That you saved someone’s life? No, Anika. I’m not mad,” he smiles. “I don’t like that you hid this though.”

“He just wants something to punish you for,” Max laughs.

“I’ll give you something,” Mia smiles.

“Shut up. I didn’t mean to say it out loud,” I frown at her.

“What?” Rowan asks her.

“She called herself ugly this morning,” Mia says.

“Really?” Theo deadpans.

“I… Yeah,” I say slowly. “I was frustrated.”

“Anika,” Theo sighs heavily.

“I’m sorry.”

“Did you mean it?” he asks.

“At the time I did,” I say.

“Then we will handle that later. Emma, can you get an update on the surgery?”he asks.

“I just got an email from her. She’s awake and surgery went smoothly,” Emma says. I feel more relieved than I imagined and Theo sees this.

“Let’s finish eating and go see Harper. After we will handle you being mean to yourself,” he says.

“Okay,” I smile. Everyone resumes eating but I lean in and speak quietly to Theo. “What was that thing you said about little girls who treat themselves like they belong in the streets?”

“I bet you’re dying to find out, huh?” he chuckles.

“Considering you’ve been….” I stop and think about the word that I want to use when Max leans over and finishes my sentence.

“Gentle. He’s unnaturally gentle with you,” Max laughs.

“I am not that gentle,” he says defensively.

“It’s not a bad thing. I’m just saying you act like you are afraid you will hurt me,” I explain.

“You got shot, Anika,” he frowns.

“Six months ago,” I remind him.

“Doesn’t stop me from fucking her speechless,” Max shrugs.

“Or me,” Rowan chimes in.

“Is that why you’ve been a brat more to me than them?” he asks.

“Yes, but you won’t break,” I laugh.

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