Page 95 of I Don't Need Your Protection

The nurse arrives and checks on Addie. She reports that while Addie does have a fever, it’s nothing to be alarmed about. Addie is conscious now and she nods as the nurse talks to her and gives her medicine. She tells Addie and Carly that she’s not so sick that she needs to go to the infirmary, but she tells Carly to spend the night here and if Addie gets worse, she should take her to the infirmary immediately. Both girls thank the nurse and she leaves.

I wait a beat or two before exiting the closet.

Addie is sitting up in bed, looking a little better than she did a few minutes ago. I make my way to her and ask, “How are you feeling?”

“Crummy.”

I nod in understanding. “I’m sorry you’re not feeling well.”

“It’s not your fault, but thanks.”

I nod again. She looks at me and I look at her.

Carly shifts in place. I forgot for a second that she’s in here. I turn to her and say, “Thanks for being here.”

“Of course. Addie’s my best friend. If you need me to stay the night, Addie, I’m here.”

“That won’t be necessary,” I tell her. “I’ll remain here all night and I’ll watch over Addie.”

Carly turns to Addie with a raised brow, as if asking her if that’s okay.

Addie nods with a smile. “Caleb can stay. Like I mentioned earlier, he’s been living in my room since our first day here. I’ll be fine.”

“Okay,” Carly says. “Is it all right if I tell Sophie and Raven that you’re sick? I’m sure they’ll want to visit you.”

Addie glances at me.

I wave my hand. “Your friends are always welcome here. But only your friends. No one else.”

Addie smiles in appreciation, and the look in her eyes tells me she’s once again thanking me for trusting her friends.

“What about Warner?” Carly asks.

Addie glances at me again.

“He’s not allowed in here, but he can always text you,” I say.

Addie’s shoulders slump, and I can’t miss the disappointed look on her face. Truthfully, seeing how upset she is over another guy is like a stab in the heart. The thought of her having another guy on her mind doesn’t sit well with me. Of him holding her…

But it’s selfish of me. I’m just her bodyguard. I want her to live a normal life. Even if itiswith Warner Hearst. I still don’t trust the guy, but maybe I’m hating on him for no reason. The guy likes her and she likes him. I have no right to get between them.

Sighing and pushing my feelings aside, I say, “Warner can come visit you as well.”

The bright smile on her face nearly kills me. Turning away from her, I plop down on my chair and let my gaze roam around the area. Addie grabs her phone, most likely texting Warner that she’s not feeling well and she’d like him to come see her.

Her other two friends visit her about half an hour later and they bring dinner with them. They were kind to also bring a portion for me, and I thank them.

The girls chat and laugh as they eat. Addie’s still not feeling well, but I know her friends are definitely helping her get better. They also grumble how evil Clarissa and her friends are for causing her to get sick.

I remain in my seat, eating my food and keeping watch. I notice Addie’s eyes flitting to the door every so often. She also checks her phone. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out who she’s waiting for.

Would I be a total jerk if I admitted that I’m glad Warner hasn’t visited her? I’d be happy if that guy was no longer part of her life.

But she’s very upset, and that kills me. Seeing Addie frowning and not smiling makes my heart hurt in a way it never did before.

The only thing I want to do is make that girl smile. But the truth is? There is only one person who can make her happy right now and he seems to have other pressing matters to attend to.

Later, after her friends leave, I prepare another hot bath for Addie, which she really appreciates. Then she snuggles up in bed with Ellie. I head over to tuck the blanket around her to make sure she’s warm and toasty.