Page 64 of Wicked Truths

“Thanks, the doctor needs the brand.” He heads off, continuing to answer questions. “I don’t know, there’s like, sixteen or seventeen pills left.” He closes the door to their room, but I can hear his voice as he heads off. “Do you need me to count them?”

“I don’t want to get you sick,” Oakley mutters, but she leans against my chest. Her hands shake against the countertop and my damn heart sinks. I can’t stand seeing her so miserable.

“I don’t think this is a bug. The suppressants have been failing for a while. Do you feel like you’re done being sick?”

“My stomach is still really upset, but my mouth tastes gross.” Her head rolls around until our eyes meet in the mirror. “I think I should brush my teeth.”

“Have a bit of the water and rinse for me first.” I grab the bottle with my free hand and crack the lid. I have to let go of her to screw off the cap, but she leans into me so I know she won’t fall over.

“I’m pretty sure this is above and beyond what’s in your job description,” she mutters, taking a swig and rinsing her mouth in the sink.

I chuckle. I think most people would be surprised at what gets thrown at personal security specialists. We either adapt or find new jobs because rich, high-profile clients know they can get away with being demanding.

I grab her toothbrush and dab a small bead of toothpaste on it. It’s clearly hers because it’s orange with a pink and purple cover. I hand it off and she gets to work.

“I’m not in here taking care of you because of my job.” I squeeze her hip. “I’m here because you’re important to me. Seeing you sick, it’s practically impossible to let you out of my sight.” My head shakes, and I barely hold myself back from rambling a bunch of shit she’s definitely not ready to hear.

She rinses while I grab her toothbrush to clean it off and put it away. I pull the towel off the rack, tenderly wiping her face as she leans against my chest.

Yeah, I really don’t see her ever getting rid of me. It’s clear she needs someone to take care of her, and I’m goddamn desperate to volunteer for the job.

“Do you want to lie back down for a few?” I offer, running my hand over her stomach. My forearm rests in the indent of her hip, but I avoid putting any pressure on her when she’s feeling weak and disgusting.

“Um, yeah, I think so.” Her eyes close. “Hawk, I feel so bad. Worse than I have in… maybe ever. Do you think I should go to the hospital?”

“Marcus is setting everything up.”

“To go to the ER?”

“No, I think it’s one of the omega clinics, but if they think it’s necessary, we’ll get you to a hospital before you know it,” I assure her.

“Okay. Yeah, I think I should lie down. My head is spinning.” She sounds weak. I don’t hesitate to scoop her up and carry her back to bed. I lie with her on me and do everything in my power to force myself to purr. “That’s still very relaxing.” She runs her fingers over my vibrating chest.

And I say a prayer that she feels better immediately.

ChapterTwenty

Oakley

“Sullivan and Hawk are going to go with you and leave immediately.” Marcus brushes his lips over my forehead as we stand in the living room of the suite. “Liam and I will wait about an hour and leave separately.”

“No.” My head shakes. “I’d rather stay with you.”

“Angel spent half of last night informing every news outlet and talk show she could find of who she claims my father is. According to Jamen, it’s a nightmare out there. If I leave with you, they’ll swarm.” Marcus pulls me close to his chest. “The doctors want to see you now, and this hotel doesn’t have a way for us to sneak out. It’s not LA or Miami.” I frown, but I do get what he’s saying. It’s just difficult because my system doesn’t want to be away from him at all. Tears spring to my eyes, and I bury my face in his shirt to hide it. “The doctor wants you there as soon as possible, princess.” He kisses the side of my head, holding me tightly to his chest. “I can’t delay your ability to get there safely. The normal thermometer wouldn’t even register your temperature.”

“I know.” I sniffle, clutching him like he’s my lifeline. “I’m sorry, I’m being ridiculous.”

“Nah.” Marcus brushes his lips over my cheek. “Don’t apologize. It’s hard for me to be away from you too.” He moves close to my ear and whispers, “I care about you a whole fucking lot, Oakley.” He almost never calls me by my real name. It sends a shiver down my spine.

“Me too,” I agree as he wraps his wrist around my head, cradling me like he doesn’t want to let me go despite his arguments on why I need to leave.

“Okay,” Liam says jovially from behind me. “That’s just a little too sweet for this early in the morning. I’m likely to be the next one to vomit if you keep up those antics.”

I snort.

Marcus kisses my forehead. “They’ll take good care of you.”

“We will,” Sullivan agrees from behind me.

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