Page 51 of Kill Your Darlings

I said in an ordinary voice, “Thank you.That was above and beyond.”

And very weird.But what the hell was one more weirdness in this alternate universe I now lived in?

Finn’s shadow rose, returned to the bathroom.That light went out, too.

I reached for the Rizatriptan, and he said from overhead, “Wait.You’re supposed to give the other stuff twenty minutes.”

“Hasn’t it been?”

“It’s been maybe five.”

I let out a groan that was largely frustration, kicked my way between the sheets and pulled the covers over my head.

From outside my cocoon, I heard, “Would you like some ice?”

I asked tersely, “Are we having drinks?”

“Ice in a towel.Would that help?”

Yes.Probably.I said nothing.

After a few heartbeats, I realized he’d finally left.

It should have been a relief.

It wasn’t.

Chapter Thirteen

I started out of my uncomfortable doze at the softness of a towel, cool ice beneath the plush folds, pressed gently to the back of my neck.

Finn said quietly, “Just me.Rest.”

I didn’t have the energy for anything else.I closed my eyes, drifted, but I was still aware of the pain.Still aware of Finn, sitting on the edge of the bed, holding his makeshift ice pack to the back of my neck.

After several years, my stomach settled a little, which was a huge improvement, despite the unrelenting pain in my head.

I said, “I’m sorry about this morning.I really did mean that to be an apology.”

For a second or two he didn’t answer.Then he said, “I know.I’m sorry about this morning, too.That wasn’t the way…”

He didn’t finish it and I said nothing.I’d started it, but it was a conversation I didn’t want to have.

“It’s been thirty minutes.You want to try the first dose of rizatriptan?”

I opened my eyes, surprised to find, despite the pain, I’d actually dozed off.“Yeah.”I sat up cautiously and took the pill from him.I popped it into my mouth.Took the water glass, swallowed a small mouthful, and washed the pill down.

I handed back the glass and lay back down.I couldn’t help the shudder that followed, but I said firmly, “You really should get back.I’ll be fine in thirty minutes.”That was wishful thinking bordering on delusional, but the pain would almost certainly be down to a manageable level.

“Thanks.”His tone was acerbic.“I’ve had all the schmoozing with Vaughn and Lila I can take in one day.”

I wondered about that, but said nothing.

Finn shifted beside me, one hand settling lightly on my temple.“Is it the right side?”His fingertips lightly threaded through my hair, brushing across my scalp.

Tiny chills of pleasure rippled over my skin.I assented.He’d massaged my head the other time this had happened.It was the sweetest thing any guy had ever done for me.

“Yeah,” he murmured.“That vein pops out right over that little scar above your eyebrow.”