Page 31 of Theodore

Zane glanced at Nikolas, meeting his eyes.

“This one might.”

“I’m super happy you’re awake, handsome. I’ll come and check on you later, okay?”

“Please do.” Nikolas breathed as Mom hugged Amy suddenly.

“Thank you. For everything you do for him.”

Amy blushed as she looked over to the bed.

“It’s been a pleasure; I’m just doing my job. Goodbye, Nikolas.”

Nikolas smiled as she left and looked over at Zane.

“Found her.”

Mom and I frowned with confusion, and Ryan shrugged blankly.

“Her?” echoed Zane as we waited for Nikolas to respond.

“My dream woman. Amy.”

We all laughed, and it sounded so much better than the sobs that had filled that very same room earlier that week.

“Han,” Nikolas said, and I sprang to my feet. He yawned as his eyes closed, but not before he spoke again. “You aren’t just another number to him.”

Zane frowned, glancing at Ryan, who looked up at me questionably.

Frozen with shock, my mouth opened and closed.

Nikolas had dozed off now, his breathing deep.

“Told you, he’s confused,” Zane said to Mom as I twisted my hands nervously.

“He’s not. I know what he means, but it’s a long story...” I trailed off as I gazed at Nikolas, smiling softly.

“You aren’t just another number to who?” Ryan snapped as Zane raised an eyebrow at me.

“Theo,” I murmured as Ryan relaxed, leaning back into his chair.

“Nope. That’s because you’re clever and didn’t fall for his shit. Otherwise, you would be,” Ryan drawled, resting his head on his hands when he yawned too.

Zane had tuned out and was just staring at Nikolas with a smile on his face. I turned to see Mom gazing at me, and I knew from her eyes sheknew.

“De Luca, hmm? He’s a fine boy, always looking after you.”

I nodded before sinking into the chair beside Ryan, who pulled me in for a hug.

“She doesn’t need looking after. She’s got us,” Ryan said gruffly.

Mom rolled her eyes. “Yes, but Theo loves her differently from you.”

“Nah,” Ryan said as I sent my mom a warning look.

Mom shrugged, gazing back at Nikolas.

“We’ll see,” she mumbled as I closed my eyes.