Page 199 of Whispers of Wisteria

Why…

Why wasn’t I embarrassed? In fact, I hardly felt anything at all. My head was spinning. It was like I wasn’t fully present in my own body.

“Hey.” Julian moved until he was on his side, eye-level with me. He was tense. “How do you feel?” he asked again, tracing his fingers down my arm.

My skin prickled, but I could only watch him in silence. I couldn’t shake the numbness that cloaked my thoughts.

His expression fell deeper. “Can you talk to me?”

Ishouldsay something, and I did feel sorry that he was sad.

Still, I couldn’t.

“That’s okay.” Julian held my gaze as he reached above his pillow and grabbed his phone.

But it wasn’t okay. He was really upset and worried.

I didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

He barely looked away while he texted, and when he was done, he set his phone down again. “My mom is coming,” he said. “And so is Gregory. They’re just going to confirm that you’re doing better.”

I blinked at him. Was I?

Why was he telling me this?

“Bianca…” He sighed. He sat up again and pulled me into his lap. I rested my head against him. His heart was beating so fast, and I snuggled closer.

I didn’t want anyone else near me. I just wanted to be left alone.

But then my stomach twisted, because I also wanted Miles, Titus, and Damen.

Where were they?

Someone must have knocked on the door because Julian grunted out a soft ‘Come in,’ and Dr. Kohler and Uncle Gregory entered the room.

They looked tired: Dr. Kohler’s usually clean-cut clothes were wrinkled, and Uncle Gregory had bags under his eyes.

That wasn’t good. They should probably get some sleep.

Uncle Gregory remained standing near the door as Dr. Kohler approached. She threw me a bright—but obviously forced—smile. “We’ve got to stop meeting like this,” she joked.

Julian’s breath hitched, but I only watched her. It was the strangest thing, but I couldn’t figure out how I was feeling. Why couldn’t I be left alone?

Obviously, I was fine.

Her watery smile faltered.

“Okay, Bianca—” She pulled her stethoscope out from under her white jacket. “—I’m going to check your vitals.”

It didn’t matter. I couldn’t stop staring at her.

My heart raced when she touched my arm, and I watched her hands as she held the stethoscope to me. Still, my breath turned shallow as she circled to my back and pressed the cold device against my skin.

I couldn’t see what she was doing anymore.

But then it was over.

“Good job,” she said, standing in front of me again. “And now for your blood pressure…” She pulled over a rolling tray and set the cuff around my arm.