Page 14 of Theodore

The nurse made a note on a label, which she then stuck to the tube, sliding it into a bag.

“Will he survive?” I asked as she turned her gaze to my brother.

“He better. I’ve told him he’s taking me out for a drink after all this running around after him.” She smiled as she moved her eyes to mine. “I’m not allowed to say as I’m not qualified enough to know, but he seems like a fighter to me.”

The door opened, and Theo walked in, followed by Zane.

Theo handed me a bottle of water and I gulped it gratefully, his hand rubbing circles on my back.

My Mom was sitting outside, propped up by Ryan.

“Theo, can you take my sister home? Can you stay with her? I don’t want her alone tonight, and I doubt my mom will leave here soon,” Zane asked.

“Of course,” Theo murmured as he looked down at me. “Come on. You need to eat.”

“I’m not—”

“You’re eating.” Theo shrugged.

I crossed the room and buried my head in Zane’s chest, the tears welling up again.

“Hey, not on the suit.” Zane laughed as he kissed the top of my head. “Go home, Han. If anything changes, we’ll call you. Thanks.”

Zane directed the last part to Theo, who nodded.

Theo was the only guy my brothers would entertain as we grew up, after repeated warnings of cutting his balls off if he ever touched me, to him becoming an extra member of our family. If Theo wasn’t at the table for dinner every night, it was strange. I was surprised that he could stay in my room, despite Ryan insisting the door was always kept open.

They knew we were best friends and that we were inseparable. They also knew he was a player and that I had known better than to fall for that shit.

Well.

I moved towards Nikolas as I leaned down, kissing an available spot on his forehead.

“I love you, Nik. Sleep well, but not for too long, okay?” I whispered as my tears fell.

I moved away as Theo’s hand slid around my waist, the other pulling open the door. I can’t remember the taxi ride home or getting into bed. I just remember the tears and the kisses that Theo placed on my head as he held me.

“If he dies—”

“He won’t,” Theo said with confidence, and I looked up at him hopefully.

“How do you know?”

“Because he’s Nikolas Phillips.” Theo smiled lazily, running his finger under my chin. “You’re all stupidly strong.”

“I don’t feel strong right now,” I confessed as his eyes softened, his forehead against mine.

“I’ve got you.”

My lips found his then, and he hesitated, but only briefly.

The number of times he had been in my room, here, in this bed, but never likethis.

I buried my hands in his hair as he trailed ardent kisses down my throat. Grabbing his hand, I pushed it between my legs, throwing my head back in ecstasy as he pulled my thong down my thighs before plunging his finger deep inside of me. Pushing him over on the bed, I tugged at his jeans when he gripped my wrists, stopping me.

“Wait. Not like this,” Theo whispered as I straddled him, my mouth on his as I tried to stop his words.

I need to block out the worry, the pain.