Page 68 of Devoted

“Yes, it is. It’sexactlythe same. You’d ask me what foods I couldn’t eat because you wouldn’t want to make my illness more difficult to manage. I’d go so far as to wager that you’d do some research of your own, so you could accommodate my needs without having to make me consider it.”

Sam’s chin hit his chest and he repeated his words, with less conviction this time. “It’s not the same.”

I touched his chin, lifting it so he could see how serious I was. “It is, Sam. Your mental health is exactly that, it’s your health. Just because it’s happening inside your head doesn’t make it any different to any other part of your body.”

He blinked and there was silver lining his eyes. “No one’s…no one has ever seen it that way before.”

I reluctantly moved my hand before I did something stupid like kiss him. “Then I’m sorry you’ve had inconsiderate people in your life, Sam. I have many flaws, but I don’t believe that’s one of them.”

He was quiet for a moment before the corner of his mouth tugged up. “I’m struggling to see any flaws at all.”

That, I laughed at. “Give it time, baby. They’ll all become clear eventually.”

It hadn’t escaped my notice that, despite my reassurance, Sam hadn’t stepped foot into the kitchen. “Come on, let’s go talk on that comfy looking sofa of yours.”

“You’re going to be disappointed,” Sam said, leading the way. “It looks far more comfortable than it actually is.”

I sat down, a spring immediately making its home in my right butt cheek. “Yep, you’re right. Major disappointment.”

Sam sipped his tea and I took the opportunity to have a better look at the space. I knew Sam pretty well already, but I had an intense need to glean whatever other tidbits I could.

The living room had some period features, including a fireplace. From the lack of wood and pokers, I was going to assume Sam didn’t use it. Well, not for its true purpose, but he did use it as a display. There was a giant Lego set there, tiny orange lights making it glow.

“Ah, it’s the cottage fromHocus Pocus,” Sam said sheepishly, following my gaze. “I like Lego.”

“This is awesome,” I said, putting my tea on a little table next to me and dropping to my knees to inspect more closely. “How long did it take you?”

“About eight hours. Probably could’ve done it faster but I decided to stop halfway through to watchHocus Pocus 2.”

“I haven’t seen it,” I said, marvelling at all the details. “Actually, thinking about it, I don’t think I’ve seen the first one either.”

Sam gave a mock gasp. “How can you, someone who grew up in the nineties, have missed out on such a cultural phenomenon?”

I cursed internally. I was going to have to tell Sam the truth sooner rather than later. Keeping my true nature from him felt like I was being deceitful. It didn’t take a genius to work out that it wasn’t the best way to start a long-term relationship. Tonightwasn’t the right time though, not with him processing everything else.

“I think I’ve seen bits of it,” I said slowly. “Theo, one of my housemates, he’s really into films. And Disney. He loves Disney.”

“Can’t say I share his love for Disney, but I do have a soft spot for the films from my childhood.”

After perusing the entire model, I got back to my feet and rejoined Sam on the sofa. “Have you completed any other Lego sets?”

“A few.” He bit his lip. “Do you think that’s weird?”

“Not at all. If you enjoy it, then why not?”

He drained the last of his tea, putting his mug down with a sigh. “You’re certain those blokes aren’t going to be back?”

“Yes.” I wasn’t sure if they were even alive at this point, but if they were, they would’ve been compelled to stay far away from Sam. “Micah has reported it to the police already, so you don’t need to worry about doing that. From what he said, it sounds like they mistook your house for someone else’s.”

“Figures.” He tugged at his curls almost absently. “These houses do all look the same, especially in the dark. Crime is so common in this area that I’m half amazed I haven’t had more trouble.”

I tightened my hands into fists, my temper flaring at the mere suggestion that Sam might be in danger staying here. “I’m glad we got here as fast as we did.”

“About that…howdidyou get here so fast?”

“We were in the area,” I lied, hating that it was necessary. “Another thing I’m grateful for.”

“Me too.” He bounced his leg repetitively. “I’m sorry I didn’t give you my address. I wasn’t thinking straight.”

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