Page 56 of Theodore

"You should see the other guy," he snickered.

"Theo... we need to talk. Why did you lie to me about why you couldn't come?"

Dropping his gaze, he sighed. "I'm too tired for that conversation, but Ididn'tlie. I spared you," he yawned, tugging his thin jumper off, making me suck in a breath at his bare torso. "Honestly, I thought you'd met someone else tonight. I've never felt so sick."

I caressed his cheek as he wiped away my tears, tugging me onto the bed beside him.

"Theo. You know, surely—you're the only one in the world I want."

"Yeah, I know. I'm never leaving you again. I'm sorry I wasn't here."

Theo’s eyes closed as he kissed my fingers.

My man is exhausted.

I kissed his face, wrapping my arms around him. I loved him so much it physically hurt.

We slept for a few hours when the door burst open, our friends spilling through.

"Oh, hello!" roared Mara as she giggled uncontrollably.

Freya pushed Mara out the door with a groan, directing her down the hall before slamming the door behind her. She turned to see Theo, who was blinking in annoyance.

"Sorry," she mouthed.

I smiled, snuggling back against Theo.

I couldn't explain it, but when I was in his arms, I washome. It didn't matter where we were; we belonged together. I gazed at him as he slept, his dark lashes lying against his cheeks as he sank into a deep sleep.

I frowned, sad that Theo didn't think he could tell me he was trying to be there for Lissa, just in case hewasthe father. I felt guilty that he had driven here, stupidly tired, to fight my battles and rescue me like a true knight.

I owe him.

But for now, I'd let him sleep.

It felt like only five minutes later when the sun streamed in through the open window as I blinked slowly. I was aware of his arms around me as I turned towards him.

"Hey, you," Theo murmured, pressing himself against me.

"I'm sorry you had to drive here."

"I'm sorry I wasn't here."

His arms circled me, and I closed my eyes, wishing last night hadn't happened.

"I have to tell you something, and it's important," I whispered, glancing towards Freya's bed. "Before you say anything else."

Theo sat up, watching me with a strange expression on his face.

Resting my head on my elbow, I look into his eyes.

"I love you, Theo. I don't like the fact you've probably got Lissa pregnant. Well, Ihateit. But it is what it is, and here we are. I worship the ground you walk on, and if you're that baby's father, I still want to be with you."

Theo studied me for a moment as he shook his head.

"I didn't want this. But I understand if you don't want to be with me. I really do. I want the best for you, and you won't get it tied down to this town because of me."

I swallowed as tears threatened to fall and stroked his face.