Page 171 of The Night Shift

Theo nods. “Again.”

His voice is so steady, so sure. I follow his orders. Inhale. Hold. Exhale. Hold. Again.

Minutes pass, or maybe just seconds. But eventually, the grip around my ribs loosens. The fog lifts. I blink hard, and the car comes back into focus. And so does Theo’s hand that’s still wrapped around mine.

“There you go,” he murmurs.

Something in my chest caves in. A deep, aching exhaustion settles into my bones.

Theo doesn’t move. He just sits there with his hand on my knee, keeping me steady.

I let out a shaky breath, my eyes darting around, taking note of my surroundings. The dashboard, the windshield, the steady rise and fall of Theo’s chest beside me. Everything feels sharp again. My head falls back against the seat. “This isn’t your car,” I say.

Theo laughs. “A keen observation.”

“Did you steal it?”

“No, love. I bought it.”

“You bought a car?”

“Would you rather I stole it?”

“What was wrong with the Prius?”

“Not important right now.” He releases my knee and cups my cheek gently. “Are you feeling better?”

I close my eyes, nodding. “We have to leave in the morning. I haven’t even packed yet. I was supposed to go home after dinner tonight —”

“I’ll take care of it.” He pauses. “I’ll take care of you.”

“How?”

“Well, first I’m going to drive you back to my place, after which you’re going to get in the shower and let the hot water relax you. When you’re done, you’re going to dry yourself and put on one of my t-shirts. Then, I’m going to feed you and fuck you slow and deep until you fall asleep. Then I’ll drive to your place and pack a bag for you. I’ll be back by three at the latest, which gives me plenty of time to rest before we leave in the morning.”

I just stare at him, my mind struggling to keep up.

A weight in my chest lifts. The constant buzz in my head dulls.

For someone who’s spent her entire life keeping her guard up, it feels odd to be giving up control. I’ve always been the one with a plan. The one taking care of others. The one with trustissues so deep that if she left anything to chance, shewouldend up hurt and disappointed.

Building thick, impenetrable walls. Keeping people at arm’s length. Not letting anyone help me.

But I guess, Theo Carter isn’t just anyone.

Must be why this feels so different. Whyhefeels so different.

Not in a bad way. Maybe not in a good way either. But in a soft, more mellowed way. A familiar way. Like I’m stepping into a house I’ve never been in before and finding that somehow, it’s always been my home.

It feels good to have someone else take the reins for once. To switch off my brain and have someone on my side without begging for it.

Around him, I don't have to pretend to be someone I'm not. I don't have to force a smile or brace for impact. I can be my most despicable self without the fear of being judged. With him, everything feels more...real.

He makes me feel at ease.

The knots in my chest loosen. My heartbeat slows down.

“Are you going to feed me the bell peppers again?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. “Because they were not very good.”