Page 43 of Damaged Princess

Wolfe and I watch Anastasia intently. She fell asleep on the couch a while ago. Vik needed to talk to our boss. When he found out she was still asleep he decided to buy her courting gifts.

He asked us to keep an eye on her, but she's been restless for the last half-hour. She's no longer sleeping deeply, it's more of a fitful sleep.

"You're okay," Wolfe says, running a hand over Ana's hair. His voice is low and soothing, but Anastasia is completely panicking when she blinks awake.

"I think I'm going to vomit," she groans. Her head lolls to the side as she tries to sit up.

"Okay, I'm picking you up," Wolfe says. He looks at me and says, "Maybe grab a mixing bowl?"

"Got it," I agree.

Wolfe picks her up and carries her down the hallway. They pass the nest and continue to Vik's room.

"Where's Vik?" Ana whimpers. "Ohmigod, I sound like a total loser."

She slurs her words, sounding completely out of it.

"He had to talk to the boss about getting time off. He checked in but you were asleep, so he headed out to buy courting gifts for you," I say, following them into the attached bathroom.

It's clean like always. Vik is a bit of a neat freak.

I head over, starting the water in the massive tub. Fuck, I was really hoping this wouldn't happen.

Wolfe sets Ana down on the toilet and hands her the bowl I brought in.

"Just leave me here to die," she groans. Her head falls to the side, resting against the bathroom cabinet. She buries her face in the bowl and gags.

I look at Wolfe, nodding to the door. I know he's got a particularly weak stomach when it comes to the sound of people getting sick.

He frowns, shaking his head.

I guess I'll have two people to clean up after.

I get it, though.

I don't want to leave her either.

"Is this a side effect of the wave of heat?" Wolfe asks, still frowning down at Ana.

"You stopped the suppressants mid-cycle, right?" I ask, like I don't already know the answer.

Ana nods.

I shove my glasses up and move to her side. I rub my hand over her back, trying to comfort her.

"What are you doing?" she groans, slapping my hand away. "I'm gross right now. Don't be nice to me."

That makes my heart throb. Life isn't perfect. It's messy and ugly sometimes, other times it's disgusting, but I'd like to see someone try to keep my dad away from my mom if she's sick and needs him.

It literally wouldn't fucking happen.

I hate that Anastasia doesn't realize she has value all the time. Beautifully done up or falling apart at the seams, I want to be there to take care of her through all of it.

I glance away, swallowing thickly. I know I get attached to people quickly. I'm probably crossing a line with my feelings for her, but I can't help myself. She desperately needs people to love and care for her.

I know I could do an excellent job of looking after her, if she'd let me.

"I texted Vik again," Wolfe says, tossing his phone down on the counter. "We should take her to the clinic."

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