Page 75 of The Destruction You Desire

"They're a mess. That's not nothing."

"How are things here?"

"Same."

"Okay. Did you wanna head out? I picked up takeout on my way back here."

Her stomach growls at the thought and I smile what feels like my first genuine smile all afternoon.

"You're cute."

"I'm not, I'm hungry. Let me say goodbye to Lib and we'll go."

I stand back and allow her to whisper something to her sister before she drops a kiss to her forehead.

We're almost out the door when she stops and doubles back toward a cupboard at the other side of the room.

"What are you doing?"

She rummages around a bit before holding up some white packets.

"Supplies for your hands," she states with a raised brow.

"Stealing from a hospital, P. That's low."

"It's a couple of bandages. After the amount you've paid for her care, I'm sure it'll be fine."

I want to argue and tell her that I'm fine, that my hands will heal, but the determined look in her eyes stops me from saying the words.

"Whatever makes you happy, baby."

Wrapping my arm around her shoulder, I pull her into my body and kiss the top of her head, breathing in her scent.

Everything inside me settles the second we connect. So much better than plowing my fists into a wall.

If only she could forgive me and let me really get my fix of her.

"What's that smell?" Peyton asks the second she walks into our room.

Stepping up behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist and brush my lips against her neck.

She tenses for a moment but after a second, she relaxes back into me.

"Your favorite."

"Luc," she warns when I part my lips and suck on her skin.

"I know, baby. I can't help it."

She sighs before pulling herself out of my hold. "I really need to eat."

I smile at her as she makes her way over to the bag that I left on the table before heading to the hospital.

"I hope it's still hot enough."

"It'll be perfect," she says, digging inside for the boxes and chopsticks.

She's almost shoveling rice into her mouth long before her ass even hits the chair.