Page 42 of Falling for a Killer

“Then that should answer your question, but I’ll do it anyway. No, it’s never felt like this. Not even close.”

“I feel the same,” I admit. “I honestly didn’t think I was capable of wanting someone this much this often. And it’s not even just the sex, Joey. I just like being with you and hearing your voice.”

She settles back down against my chest, silent for so long, I think she’s fallen asleep. “I told you this would get complicated.”

She did.

Too bad I don’t care. Even if I fall flat on my face in a prison cell in the end, this time with her is worth it. I’ll take complicated after the months of emptiness that came before her. I finally don’t feel alone.

Twenty:

Manflu

I let him too far under my skin and I know it. I feel it every time he touches me, every time he looks at me. But how can I tell him to back off just a little when he’s looking at me like he’s dying?

“You’re fine,” I tease gently. “It’s probably just a head cold.”

“It’s not just in my head though,” he grumbles, his voice cracking and deep. “My chest hurts, Roo.”

He rubs at it dramatically and coughs, like a sick, dying little Victorian child.

It’s kind of cute.

“I’m sorry. We didn’t think to get anything but Advil.” Scooting closer, I loop his legs over my lap. “Do you want me to go get you something?”

“Don’t leave me to die alone,” he croaks, reaching out for my hand and dropping it like the last of his energy is gone. “Is this my karma for breaking your bed?”

It’s been over a week and he’s asked me that at least once a day. When his eggs didn’t turn out right, when he realized it was pouring rain, when he stubbed his toe on the coffee table. Each time, I roll my eyes a little more. “Yes. The other ones weren’t but this one is.”

Like those times, he smiles proudly. I think he just likes bringing it up. “Fuck.” He coughs again, his smile gone instantly. “Where’d I even get this? We hardly go anywhere.”

“You went outside even though it was raining. The Washington air said no.” Rubbing his leg, I smile gently at him. “What can I do?”

“I like what you’re doing now.” His eyes flutter closed after a sniffle. “Also a blow job.”

“And what if I don’t want your germs?” I laugh. “You can keep those. Who will take care of you if I get sick too?”

“Does that mean no kisses either?” Especially those, but the way he pouts has me hesitating before outright denying him. This man has killed before, and yet he’s laying here like a giant baby. “This is hell.”

No, Hell is taking care of someone with man flu, but at least it’s amusing. “Just motivation for you to get better faster. I know you don’t want to be left alone, but you’re gonna need cough medicine if you’re ever going to sleep again.”

“I know.” He sighs. “I can’t go with you.”

This will be a first, and I know how monumental that is. Leaning over, I kiss his lips softly. “I’m not gonna run, Killer. Do you trust me?”

He nods without hesitation, reaching out to pull me in so I’m laying on his chest. “But I can’t protect you.”

“I know this is hard to believe since I walked right into a kidnapping situation after almost getting shot by my ex, but I’m actually okay,” I tease. “My resting bitch face usually keeps people away from me.”

“You’re so beautiful with all your faces,” he croaks. “I’d still hit on you.”

“Because you’re ridiculous,” I remind him. “But let me up so I can get back before dark. I hate this driveway at night.”

I hate everything at night, but I blame that on my past. I’m not exactly friends with the dark anymore.

“Take a gun. Just leave it in the glove compartment unless you need it, but I’ll feel better.”

He holds me a second longer before he releases his grip, but I learn quickly he only does that because of another coughing fit — this one worse than the last.

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