Page 10 of Austen Persuaded

Numb.

Good.

Beep.

“Let me try it, just in case you did it wrong.”

Beep.

“OK, 98.4.”

I swatted their hands away from my forehead.

“Ouch!”

“Our girl has her strength back.”

I pulled the covers over my head, burrowing deep within.

If I ignore them, they’ll go away. It’s worked for, what, three days now? Something like that. Or maybe four by now.

Who knows. Who cares.

“Annie, if you don’t come out of hiding, we’re coming in.”

They wouldn’t dare.

But they would. Before I had a chance to rethink my plan, I felt the weight of the two men on the bed, joining me under the covers.

“Hey, girl,” said Rafael, cozying up to me on my right, nose to nose, while Rainn arranged himself snugly on my left. It’s a good thing I had zero attraction to either of these guys (and the feeling was mutual), or else this would’ve been pretty awkward for all involved. At one time I decided Ishouldbe into Rainn, who was straight and admittedly hot and thought the same about me, but our oneattempt at dating was a massive failure. Zero sparks. Less than zero, even. He made an awesome BFF though. Co-BFF, that is. Rafael and I went way back, and if friends could be soulmates, he would be mine. But he’d been in a serious relationship for quite a while, so he wasn’t available as often now. It had, in truth, been a good opportunity to get closer to Rainn. He and I were like night and day, yet somehow as friends we just clicked. It didn’t help that he was the sweetest guy in the universe.

But right now, I didn’t want the company of my friends. Or anyone. I needed to be left alone.

“Guys, I—” I coughed, clearing my throat of all the days’ worth of sleepy mucus or whatever it was that built up in people’s throats when they’re sick. “Guys, I mean this in the best possible way, but please, get lost. Leave me to my misery.”

Rainn’s arms wrapped around me from behind. “Nope.”

Rafael spoke softly. “We have left you alone. For too long, I think. It’s time to rejoin the world. You don’t have a fever, and you’re coherent. You’re not looking or smelling like death, as far as I can tell, though itishard to see under here. But you still haven’t showered, have you?”

I felt panic rising within me. “Guys, please. I just need you to leave me alone. Getout—”

And that’s when my voice broke, and my eyes burned. Shudders wracked my weakened frame, and I was helpless to do anything but ride them out as Rainn held me tight, as Rafael took my hand in his. With his other hand, he gently wiped the lone tear streaming down my cheek toward the pillow.

No one spoke.

It might have been an hour or two, lying together, just like that. Or ten minutes. I had no idea. When Rafael finally flipped the blanket up, I was relieved to feel the air on my skin. Adjusting to the light was a bit more difficult though. I squinted, noting that the sun was rising and realizing I’d slept another 24 hours. I vaguely remembered taking more cold meds despite not really needing them anymore. At least not for my physical symptoms.

I sat up slowly, relieved to find that my head wasn’t pounding. Rainn propped up some pillows behind me as Rafael left the room, saying something about food.

When he returned, he carried in a massive tray of breakfast foods. “They’re all cold now, but oh well.”

“Aww, guys, you didn’t have to …” I trailed off, biting my lip. “I’m not sure if I’m even hungry.”

“Oh, it’s not just for you,” Rafael said, tilting his head as he eyed the selection. “I’m ravenous.”

“Same,” Rainn said, grabbing some cold sausage links from the tray. “I forgot to eat before running this morning.”

“There will probably be no food left for you, Annie,” Rafael said, his eyes twinkling.

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