Page 29 of Theodore

“I’m not lettinganyonetalk about you like that. Let’s go.”

Theo didn’t even glance back as Connor stood up, glaring at me angrily.

“Fuck him,” Theo muttered as he picked up the stuffed turtle, stomping off.

I couldn’t help but laugh, and he turned to me, confusion in his eyes.

“What?!”

“You’ve just punched someone, and now you’re storming off with your teddy.”

My belly ached with laughter, and Theo blinked, glancing down at Ninja. Soon tears were falling from my eyes as he shook his head with amusement, tugging me towards the exit.

“What ashittyfucking first date,” Theo grumbled, hauling Ninja into the truck. Slamming the door shut, he leaned against it, running his hand through his hair as I pushed him against the truck.

Inhaling his smell, I let out a light moan when he moved my hair from my eyes.

“No, it wasn’t. Did you not hear me admit something back there?” I asked as Theo stroked my face, shaking his head.

“No?”

“I said you were more than a best friend.”

His smile grew when I moved towards him, his breath on my cheek as our lips brushed softly.

“Justmore?” Theo asked as my skin tingled.

“I don’t want to fall for you, De Luca,” I whispered as he laughed against my lips.

“Catch up, baby. I fell for you years ago.”

13

HANNAH

“Miss Phillips? You’re needed at the office. There’s a message for you,” said Mrs. Frank, the school receptionist.

Heads turned curiously towards me as I gathered my things. I stood, walking down the narrow space between desks as my teacher nodded at me. I followed Mrs. Frank, my heart hammering in my chest.

What was the message?

Iknewit would be about Nikolas. I reached the office to find Ryan sitting on a chair, a broad grin on his face.

“He’s awake, Han,” Ryan blurted out, his voice catching in his throat.

“Oh, thankGod.” I wept, hugging my brother.

Ten minutes later, I’ve signed out of school, Ryan still sniggering at being classed as my legal guardian as we hurried down the steps.

Ryan filled me in on the drive over to the hospital that Mom had broken the good news to him recently, and they’d decided I needed to leave school immediately.

My heart was racing as I imagined seeing Nikolas again, and Ryan reached over and squeezed my hand.

“He’s made it.”

I gulped, tears in my eyes as I gripped his hand in mine. I nodded as he drove much faster than the legal speed limit, getting us to the hospital in record time.

Everything seemed to be much slower than usual—even the elevator ride dragged. Ryan and I exchanged an exasperated look as it stopped at every damn floor before ours.