Page 108 of Splintered Hearts

“Like shit.”

Running my fingers through his soft black hair, I can’t help but smile. “I’m sorry.” Leaning into my touch Jamie practically purrs. “When did you end up in here?” Not that I really mind but Jamie had been in his own room when I left.

“After you left.” Squeezing the plushie, he lays his head against it. I’m not sure what chokehold this damn fruit has on him but I hope he likes what I got him today. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine.” My thumb runs along his temple.

“It’s more comfortable. Smells like you.” That last part was said softly, but there’s nothing soft about the rush of heat that floods my stomach. “How was lunch?”

“It was good.”

“I’m glad.” The twist of agony on his face as he struggles to sit up breaks my heart. “I can hear you thinking from here. I just need to get up. I’m alright. I want tea.”

“I’ll make you tea.”

Jamie snorts. “No thank you.”

“Fuck you. I can make tea.”

“I don’t even think you can boil water without burning it. Can you just help me up?”

“I got you something today.” I help him upright while he takes deep breaths. What the hell did he do to hurt himself this badly? Jamie looks suspiciously at the bag I’m holding in my lap.

“Is it a sex thing?”

“Everything is a sex thing if you believe in yourself.” Chuckling, he takes the bag from me. “We went downtown and I saw this at one of the stores we went into.” Jamie opens the gift bag, frowning as he looks inside. “Since you seem to like”—he takes the fox out of the bag, looking at me—“plushies.”

“You found this?”

“Yeah, that gift shop with the touristy gifts. I thought it was cute, and since you love foxes... You like?”

Jamie smooths his fingers over the fake fur.

After staring at it a moment he nods subtly. “Yeah, I do.” He pets the fur gently and I notice him sway a little.

“Come on. Up we go.”

Jamie throws the blankets off, leaving him in a pair of plaid boxers and a dark blue sweater. He takes my hands as his legs struggle to swing over the side. If he wasn’t a giant and I actually had some arm strength this would be easier.

I place my hand gently on his lower back to steady him, hearing him hiss, “This fucking sucks.” My fingers slip under his shirt and I flinch at the alarming heat. “I’m okay.” Jamie looks down at me with a smile I feel everywhere. Then his eyes travel down. “Where the hell do you get those shirts?”

“Magic, baby.”

Unloading my bag of books, I busy myself while Jamie’s outside. I don’t know why he’s trying to keep what he’s doing out there a secret. I don’t give a shit. From the grayish hue of his naturally tan skin, I know he doesn’t feel well. The pain is a lot and I don’t mind if he can ease it, as long as it’s safe.

The sliding door opens, letting in the night air which is mixed with sweet smoke. “Do you want tea?”

“No, I’m okay, thank you. Feel better?”

“What?”

“I don’t know how that stuff works. Is it instant?” Jamie chews the inside of his cheek. “I don’t care. Whatever you need to do to feel better.” I’m not sure how I’m going to sort these books out. I really need a damn shelf. The stacks of books around my room are getting out of control. I want the perfect one though.

“I just feel weird.”

“I’m not some Virgin Mary, Jamie.” Although I’ve never tried drugs of any kind, I don’t judge anyone who smokes weed. It helps Jamie’s pain and relieves his nausea from said pain.

“It’s not instant. It doesn’t take long, though. Want me to make you anything?”

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