Page 15 of A Dark Infinity

We enter Abel’s office, and as we settle into our seats, Abel begins, “Let’s discuss your dad’s medical history.”

I nod, ready to listen, as Abel explains the progression of my dad’s illness.

Ethan interjects with a question, “When did the symptoms first appear?”

I appreciate his interest, despite my surprise at his presence. “It started with what my mom called episodes,” I explain. “He’d lock himself in his room, tearing up papers.”

Abel listens attentively, nodding in understanding. “And did these episodes coincide with any seizures or other symptoms?” he inquires.

I shake my head. “Not that I know of. I’m not sure what they were exactly.”

Ethan leans forward, his brow furrowing in concern. “You must have been worried,” he remarks softly.

I nod, feeling a pang of guilt. “Yeah, it was tough,” I admit.

Abel shifts the conversation, explaining, “Your dad has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.”

My heart sinks at the confirmation of my worst fears. “Alzheimer’s?” I echo, my voice barely above a whisper.

“Yes,” Abel confirms gently. “Unfortunately, there’s no cure, but we’ll do everything we can to make him comfortable.”

Tears prick at my eyes as I struggle to process the news. The only thing I know about Alzheimer’s is that it’s incurable. But whether it’s a slow or quick death sentence, I do not know. God, will he need extra treatment now? I can’t ask Ethan to pay for more than he already does.

“Lark,” Abel says softly, and I look up at him. “It’s important you understand what’s happening to your dad. So I urge you to ask me any questions you may have.”

“I…I—” Sobs make it impossible for me to speak. Hiding my head in my hands, I let the tears run freely.

“Shh,” Ethan says, his tone soothing. “It’ll be okay.”

But it won’t. How can it be when I’m partly happy to hear my dad will die? And, oh God, my first thought was that I hope it’ll happen soon. Not because I don’t want him to suffer, which I know he already is. Selfishly, I hope for him to die because I can’t do this anymore. The constant strain, worry, and just… it’s all too much and I’m too weak. I can’t take it for much longer.

“It’s not,” I sob into my hands. Feeling Ethan move, I peek through my fingers. “Oh,” I exclaim, surprised when I see him crouching next to my chair.

He gently removes my hands from my face, taking them into his. He kisses both palms without looking away from me. Ethan’s gaze is demanding, making it impossible to look elsewhere. “I promise you it’ll be okay,” he rasps. “Because I’ll fucking make it so.” I’m taken aback by the fierceness of his tone.

“You can’t promise that,” I whisper. “You heard Abel. My dad’s going to die, and I… I…”

Turning his head, Ethan growls at the doctor. “Give us some time alone.”

Despite the grim line of his mouth, Abel gets up and walks over to the door. “I’ll go check on your dad,” he says before leaving us alone.

The second Abel is gone, the air around us changes. It becomes thicker, heavier, and it’s so charged I can barely breathe. “Ethan,” I whimper, unsure of what’s happening.

He stands and pulls me with him. I go willingly, and when he opens his arms wide, I don’t hesitate before I step close enough for his arms to wrap around me. “I got you,” he rasps, his breath tickling the top of my hair. “You don’t have to be brave right now.”

I want to tell him that it’s not a lack of bravado that’s upsetting, but I don’t. Of course I don’t tell my new boss that for years, I’ve fantasized about getting the call telling me dad is dead. It’s a horrible thought, and not something I can ever admit to anyone.

Relaxing against his hard body, I return the embrace. I wrap my arms around his middle and rest the side of my face against his shirt. With each inhale, his scent invades my nostrils. After being around him for two weeks, I should have gotten used to it, but I haven’t. It still sends my senses on high alert and makes my core clench.

“I need to get out of here,” I murmur.

Ethan’s hands move up to my shoulders, and he takes a step back so he can look at me. “Do you want to see your dad before we leave?” Shaking my head I tell him no. I know I should, but I can’t when my pussy is getting embarrassingly wet thanks to Ethan’s smell and touch. “Okay. Let’s go.”

He takes my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine. Then he hands me my handbag, which I’d placed on the floor when we first entered Abel’s office. “I should say goodbye to Abel,” I say, but Ethan shakes his head.

“I’ll text him.”

Nodding, I follow him out to his car, and let him gently push me into the passenger seat. I’m too tired to pretend I want to take the bus. So instead of putting up a fight, I make myself comfortable and let him drive me.

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