Page 180 of Chasing Sparks

He presses a kiss to my forehead, lingering there for a few seconds. “I’ll grab some extra blankets. Get some sleep.”

At the doorway, he pauses, resting his hand on the frame. “It’s only ever been you, Ori. No matter what other narrative you’re convinced is true.”

With a small shake of his head, he smacks the doorframe and walks out, leaving me alone once more.

I can’t move.

Something is standing on my chest.

Something fat and furry, purring loud enough to wake the dead.

Blinking open my eyes, I chuckle and scratch Merlin’s ears, earning a pleased mew.

“You are quite the snuggle bug, aren’t you? Let me guess—you’re starving. Haven’t eaten in decades. Am I close?”

The sun streams through the blinds, and as I sit up, I catch the faint aroma of coffee wafting through the air.

Lord love caffeine … which I can’t have for another seven months.

Fuck my life.

With a groan, I push back the covers and swing my legs over the side of the bed. The extra blankets Ash piled on kept me cozy, and I must’ve been more exhausted than I realized.

Mine was a heavy, dreamless sleep—a welcome reprieve from the chaos of my reality.

Gazing to my right, I notice a blanket tossed across the chair beside the bed.

Strange. I don’t remember doing that. Did Ash come in after I fell asleep? Either way, I’m too groggy to care.

I grab my phone and wince at the six missed calls from Mina.

Damn. I forgot to check in last night. She probably thinks I’m furious with her.

I dial Mina’s number, and she answers on the first ring. “Are you okay?”

Code for: Are you pissed at me?

“Yes, I’m fine. The doctor wants me to rest for a few days, but I need to stop by the shop to grab my laptop. I’ll be there in an hour or so.”

“I can bring you the laptop.”

“No need. Hey, why did you leave last night? Braden said he couldn’t convince you to stay.”

Mina laughs, but it rings hollow. “A few women showed up and showered him with affection. I felt like a third wheel.”

Welcome to my world.

“I think he was disappointed you wanted to leave.”

“Trust me, he was too busy with those women to care.”

Somehow, I doubt that, based on Braden’s version of events. Still, I’ll always back Mina first.

“Bastard. I’ll have a word with him.”

“Don’t bother. I’m just glad Ash isn’t like that with you.”

If you only knew.

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