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I nod. “Okay, well, that’s fine. That’s all you needed to say. I’ll give you some space.”
She stabs at her food, and I try not to laugh. “Don’t take it out on the dishes now.”
She glares at me, but when she sees me smiling, her face softens. “Maybe I have something against the dishes.”
“Did they do you dirty?” I ask.
“Yes, they did.” She chuckles softly.
“You’re not drinking your wine?” I ask, noticing she hasn’t touched it.
She looks at me. “I’m not feeling particularly good, and I took some painkillers. Don’t want to drink on top of that, you know.”
“No, that isn’t a good idea. Do you need me to arrange for you to see our family doctor?” I ask, worried.
“No, I can arrange that, it’s fine. I have a doctor I know and trust.” She pushes her empty plate away. “That was delicious, thank you so…” She gets up suddenly and places a hand over her mouth. Her eyes are wide as she turns and runs for the downstairs bathroom.
“Asher?” I call, jumping up and making my chair topple over.
I follow her but stop at the shut door and listen.
She’s retching her heart out, and I feel guilt consume me. Did I do something to the food that’s made her ill? I followed the recipe step by step, and I feel fine.
I knock on the door. “Can I come in?”
“Yes,” she groans.
When I walk in she’s on the floor bent over the toilet. Her hair is in disarray, and her face is pale. “Sorry. It’s not your food. I wasn’t feeling well earlier. Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten.”
“Maybe we should take you to the emergency room since we won’t reach a doctor now. I don’t want you to dehydrate or something.”
I slide to the floor to sit next to her. I stroke her back softly, trying to soothe her. I look away when she throws up again, and I continue to rub her back. “It’s okay. Everything is going to be okay.”
We sit there for half an hour before I finally coax her to her feet. I take her upstairs, where I stay with her while she brushes her teeth, and then I tuck her into bed. I undress and slide in next to her. I sit with my back against the headboard and let her cuddle up to me.
I stroke her arm with the tips of my fingers. My protective instincts have kicked in, and all I want to do is hold her, care for her, and let nothing bad happen to her.
“It could just be a twenty-four-hour bug. I can get you something to drink and eat that will go easier on your stomach. Maybe chicken soup.”
“How do you know all this?” she asks.
“My brothers. I helped take care of them when they were little. I learned a lot from Mama.” I smile softly.
“I’m sorry I ruined your evening,” she groans. “I feel terrible.”
“Don’t. This is exactly where I want to be, making you feel better.” I kiss the top of her head. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
I watch over her as she dozes in and out of sleep. Whenever she gets out of bed to throw up, I go with her. At midnight, I make her a cup of hot water with lemon and honey and find some rice crackers for her to nibble on to keep her strength.
“It’s two in the morning. You’re going to be so tired tomorrow,” she murmurs. “Go to sleep.”
“I’ll get some sleep when you are feeling better. Besides, I’m used to staying up late. I own nightclubs. Don’t you know?” I kiss her head again for what must be the thousandth time.
I do feel sleepy, and I find myself nodding off, with her still snuggled safely in my arms.
Chapter 16 - Asher
My hands are shaking like I’m in withdrawal. This cannot be happening to me. It cannot. This is not what I wanted. I wanted a clean break from Danil and never to have to see him again in my life. I didn’t want to be pregnant with his child. Oh, how stupid I’ve been. I should have gotten birth control, but it didn’t cross my mind.
