Page 72 of King of Ruin

Thomasina, lets the baby go, meowing again. She’s asking for my help.

“What is it?”

I don’t answer as I place my finger by the little one’s mouth. “Not breathing.”

“Shit.”

He drops down on his haunches his hands coming to my back.

But I’m already working, stroking the kitten’s body, gently squeezing to stimulate its little heart.

With a sputter, I feel the moment the kitten draws breath.

Thomasina meows again, but I keep working, making certain that the baby doesn’t stop.

“What should we do?”

“Can we take the kitten to Lucia?”

Roman let’s out a frustrated breath. “The vet clinic is closer. Maybe we should go there?”

“Good idea,” I breathe, rising as I continue to rub the kitten, keeping its heart and lungs working.

Thomasina follows me and Roman as he gets the carrier that Jack brought the very first day. It’s in the closet.

He carries it back toward the whelping box. “You keep massaging the kitten. I’ll get Thomasina in…somehow.”

“Just put the kittens in the back and she’ll follow.” I keep the sick kitten in my hand as Roman loads up the other cats.

Picking up his phone, he places the call and then we’re off in the elevator.

I realize this is the first time I’ve left his apartment since I’ve arrived. I’m used to remaining in one place.

But as we go down the elevator and into the parking garage, I’m aware that the change of scenery from my house has been nice and going out will be even nicer.

Lucia was right. My world has gotten so small after the death of my grandmother. It’s nice to let it grow, to have new places and people. More than nice.

Roman opens my door, helping me into his car. Thomasina and the rest of the kittens go in the back.

He gets in last and starts the car. “They’ll see us right away,” he tells me as puts the car in reverse.

“Thank you, Roman,” I don’t even know how to tell him how much I appreciate this.

“How’s the kitten?”

“Still breathing.” I keep massaging, the little body still warm and moving in my palm.

“Good,” he rubs his hand down my arm as he drives through the bright sunshine.

This is way more than any man would want to take on. The fact that he’s doing it for the blind woman who professed her love the night before is shocking.

But I don’t say any of this because I’m focused on the kitten.

Any maybe still a little afraid to start a repeat of last night. I can’t take the rejection again when Roman doesn’t share my feelings.

We arrive at the clinic and Roman is out of the car, grabbing Thomasina and then helping me out.

I have that moment where I hate that he has to help me. That I’m a burden to him. But his arm comes around me, the carrier in the other hand.

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