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One of those being lodging. I’ll always have a presidential suite wherever I go. Some luxuries I just refuse to give up.
Fidgeting with the tips of my fingernails, I watch as Fia scarfs down the chalky bar, her hands still trembling each time they find their way to her lips.
“Front desk,” a small voice finally picks up on the other end.
“Yes, hi, is the kitchen closed for the night?”
My eyes remain glued to Fia’s silky ivory skin as it slowly regains its color.
“No, sir, the kitchen is open. We’re just no longer serving dinner. Anything else on the menu is available.”
“I’ll take one of everything.”
A chuckle replaced by a small cough comes from the other end before the woman continues. “I’m not sure I understand. One of everything?”
“You understood just fine. Everything that you can make and please bring it as it becomes ready. I don’t care about the cost.”
“O-Okay, and what can we get you to drink?”
Peeling my eyes from Fia, I still my breathing, a temper I haven’t ever felt threatening to arise.
“Two strawberry milkshakes.”
“Very well, Mr. Parker. We’ll have all of that to you as soon as it’s ready.”
I hang up the phone without a goodbye and take a deep breath before coming face to face with my tormented beauty.
I have no idea what the fuck I’m doing. I don’t know how to console someone. I don’t know how to make anyone feel better. I don’t even know what makes me feel good. I’ve chased what I thought did for years, and turns out, it was all an act.
My body heats as I move closer to her. I just want to be the best I can for her—want to be what she needs.
“How are you feeling?” I ask, kneeling between where she’s sitting on the bench at the end of my bed.
“Fine.” Avoiding eye contact, she looks over my shoulder to whatever focus point is on the other side.
“I need more than that. Are you thirsty? I have food coming, but what can I do in the meantime?”
Her chin quivers, the ducts of her eyes becoming glossy with tears.
Fuck, I can’t stand seeing her like this.
“I-I just want to shower.”
“Okay, do you want me to help you?”
Finally, her eyes lock with mine, the wall between us crashing. In slow motion, the hesitation, the pent-up pain, the two year-long agonies on both sides crumble to dust.
Fia gives a weak nod, and it’s all I can do not to kiss her right here.
A blossoming joy takes over my body, but now isn’t the time. She needs me to be her armor. Needs me to take whatever pain she’s been carrying and wash it away.
Rising from my haunches, I reach my hands out for her to intertwine ours together. When she does, the softness of her skin sends shivers through mine.
Guiding her to the bathroom, I lean her weak body on the sink and unwrap my hands from hers.
“I can stand right here, or I can wait outside,” I tell her softly.
Fia starts to peel her sports bra from her shoulders, trembling as the tight elastic that’s holding her small breasts snaps on her skin, leaving a mark so red it pains me to see the discoloration.
