Page 106 of Long Live the King

“What the–”

Rogue is already halfway across the room by the time I process he’s back and carrying a bag from the local pharmacy. He begins rifling through as he hands me items.

“I checked and the internet said Aspirin might thin your blood and make you bleed more which seemed counter productive in this scenario so I avoided that and got ibuprofen instead. Take two.”

I blindly reach for the bottle, still trying to process this turn of events.

“I also got you a heating pad. The pharmacist I spoke to said this was the best brand but they’re one-use only so I got you a couple.”

Those also come my way.

“The article I read said snacks were imperative otherwise you might turn into an angry little gremlin so naturally I got a large selection, including about fifteen different types of chocolate. There’s also a bunch of girly shit in there like face masks and nail polish. Google also recommends watching Pride & Prejudice in this situation. Apparently crying is expected and that movie should help you get it out. I checked, it’s available on Apple TV so I can cue that up if you want. Otherwise move the fuck over so I can get in beside you.”

He pauses to let me answer but I’m on a ten second delay at least. I’m still working on processing his return, let alone his words. The care in them is completely at odds with the way he delivers them, in his usual detached emotionless tone.

“You’re going to spend the night here.” I say. He nods. “Even though I can’t have sex with you?” I ask, making sure to reiterate that I’m closed for construction. In case he somehow missed the info the first time I said it.

He rolls his eyes in exasperation. “I’m not totally devoid of human emotion.”

“That’s news to me.” I mutter under my breath.

“I heard that. I do have empathy, not much but some, and I can be celibate for 24 hours without the world coming to an end.”

“Again. I’m shocked.” I tease him. Humor is a better crutch than accidentally revealing how much this means to me.

But I also process his words. Just because I can’t sleep with him doesn’t mean he can’t go out and find somebody who can. My stomach turns and I don’t think it has anything to do with period cramps. He said he was celibate so is he not sleeping with anybody else?

A visual of Lyra's hand on his chest flashes in my mind and makes me borderline violent.

“I can see that overactive brain of yours spinning in there. I’m just looking after my “steady piece” as you Americans would say. This isn’t a marriage proposal.”

Those words have the necessary sobering effect on me.

“We don’t need to fuck but you are spending the night with me. That’s part of our deal.” He adds as if afraid I’m going to kick him out.

“Alright. Start the movie and prepare to see me cry for what will be the fourth time today.”

“Fourth? Have you cried since I left?’

“Oh, uh no.” I fake cough, throwing the covers back and standing up to distract him. “I counted wrong, it’s the third.”

His eyes flick down to my chest. I’m about to rib him for looking at my breasts when I realize it’s what I’m wearing that he’s looking at.

“Is that my sweater?”

“Yeah.” I say, pulling at the hem. “It’s comfy.”

His arm snakes out to wrap around my waist as he pulls me against him.

“Looks like you couldn’t spend a night away from me either.” He says smugly. His mouth swallows my answer as he kisses me hungrily.

I lean into him and for a couple of minutes all we do is makeout like the horny teenagers we are. He pulls away and looks down at me through heavy lidded eyes.

His voice is throaty and lust-filled when he speaks. "I like seeing my name on you."

???

26.

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