Page 45 of Savage Protector

I barely have time to stammer out another ‘thank you’ before she’s hurrying off to relieve her husband. I’m left alone in this strange, alien room, studying the huge double bed and wondering how on earth I ended up here.

I don’t have long in which to contemplate that question. Less than five minutes later, while I’m still engaged in investigating the contents of his cupboards, Zayn saunters in.

“I’ll bring some of your stuff over as soon as I can. Meanwhile, help yourself to anything of mine.”

I whirl to face him. “I don’t have any clothes, only what I’m wearing.”

“Write me a list. I’ll drive over to Stirling later.”

“I could go…”

“Not happening. Not until this is sorted.” He strolls over to the kitchen area and flicks the switch on the kettle. “Coffee? I don’t have any tea up here, but I could get some.”

“I don’t want anything right now. Thanks.”

“Fair enough. Did Ruth show you round?”

“Yes. It’s…it’s a nice house.” Not that I intend to become too familiar with it. “I’ll stay here for a day or two, if you really think that’s best, but I have an exam on Friday. Toxicology. It’s my final exam this year, and I need to pass it to move on to clinical practice next year. I can’t miss it.”

“Where is it happening?”

“In the department.”

“What time?”

“Two o’clock until five.”

“Okay, we’ll be there.”

“We?”

“You and me.” He grins as he pours hot water into his mug. “You didn’t imagine you’d be going alone, did you?”

“But you can’t…”

“We’ll see. Do you need anything to revise for it? Notes or suchlike?”

“Just internet access. I did it all on my laptop. It’s in my bag.” My university bag was with me when he waylaid me at the bus station. “I think it’s in your car.”

“I’ll bring it up.” He scribbles a series of letters and numbers onto an envelope that was lying on the table. “This is the Wi-Fi password. Is there anything else?”

“No. I mean, yes.”

“Okay?” He sips his coffee and winces.

“Where am I to sleep?” I demand. “There’s only one bed.”

“This is true. It’s a big bed, though, so there shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Are you serious?”

“Oh, yes. Perfectly serious.”

“I’ll sleep on the couch,” I protest. “Or you could.”

“I don’t think so. Have you seen the size of that thing?”

“But we can’t. You know we can’t. You said it yourself when…when…”

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