Page 104 of Splintered Hearts

“Stop arguing with your mother.” Jamie’s mouth pinches. I’m too tired for whatever this is. “I’m absolutely beat. Lie with me on the couch and we can watch something. I’ll order food.” Jamie swallows, looking away before giving me a tiny nod. “Great! I don’t have to work tomorrow.” Looking at his mother, I see something flash over her features as I ask him, “Did you take medi—”

“No,” she growls at her son.

Nodding, I try to smile and keep it civil. I know from experience that forcing Jamie to do anything is not the way to go about it. Except in the bedroom, but uh... yeah. Not going there right now. “Let’s eat, because I’m sure you’ve done none of that today, and then you will be taking your medicine.”

“I don’t want it.”

“Well, if you don’t take your medicine you could get hurt and die. I’m sorry but these muscles”—I flex one bicep and ignore the hungry look in his eyes—“are just for show. I donothavethe upper-body strength to dig a hole and drag your lifeless body into it.” I ruffle his hair, laughing as he swats at me again. “Be a good boy for me.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“Jamie!” she hisses.

“Oh, it’s fine. It’s our love language.” I pinch his cheek, cooing, “You don’t mean it, do you?”

“Can you stop?” he growls, but I see his features soften.

“Go lie down. I’ll order food. I got a new book. That was my plan for tonight, and I can read it while you lie down.”

“New book?”

“A new romance. I’ll grab your sketchbook if you want it, but I need you to get some rest. Honestly, I’m beat, so I’ll probably pass out reading. Tomorrow, maybe we can binge some shows, andDestiny Of Fatestarts tomorrow night too.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot.” I love that I’ve gotten him hooked on dramas. “You and me?”

Letting me help him into the living room, Jamie goes to walk past his mother, but not so fucking fast. As gently as I can, I yank his arm, keeping him there in place. “What do you say?”

He scowls at me before whatever he sees on my face softens his. Sighing, he looks at his mother. “I am really sorry.” She nods, not meeting our eyes.

“I’ll be right back.” Walking him to the couch, I gently help him onto it. “Careful.”

“Everything is terrible.” Jamie groans as he lies down.

“I know, babe.” Feeling his forehead I nearly snatch my hand back. “You have to take your meds or you’re going to hurt yourself worse. Then we’ll be right back at the beginning.”

“I haven’t eaten today.”

“Stop being a stubborn dick. Now. Would you like a forehead kiss?” Jamie looks away, nodding slightly. I smile; I can’t help it. I meant it as a tease but as I lean in, kissing his alarmingly hotforehead, I hear him moan softly. “What do you want to eat?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“I know but you have to eat something. Egg-drop soup? I’m craving sesame chicken anyway and that’s easy on the stomach.” He nods. “Anything else?”

“No.” Jamie’s eyes lift to mine. I pull away before he tugs my shirt. “Thank you.”

“Close your eyes. I’m going to talk to your mom then order food.” Nodding, Jamie closes his eyes. What he needs is medicine but he has to eat first.

Getting up, I turn to see Lia standing in the doorway watching us. She joins me in the kitchen while I order, and I’m happy now that I’d taken money out earlier for a tip.

I sink into a chair, feeling every bit of exhaustion weighing me down. I’m ready to drop.

“I’m sorry you had to work so much today.”

“I don’t mind, really. I love my job.”

She smiles softly, looking down to her tea. It’ll be a bit of a wait with the dinner rush, but that’ll give Jamie time to sleep a little. “You’re really good with him.”

I feel a bit like I’m overstepping but I have to say something. “He’s just a little stubborn.” Her brows rise and I laugh.

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