“No.” When her expression fell, I continued, “I think this is something you need to do. Because you are a you, not an it. Do you understand?”
A wide grin stretched across her lips, making her eyes disappear beneath her wrinkles. “I do.”
“So pick something you like.”
“I will.” Her head bobbed as she said, “I’m glad you’re alive.”
“Me too.”
“Seth?” Kal called out, his voice groggy. I didn’t even have a chance to respond before he shouted, voice turning desperate, “Seth!”
“I’m in my room,” I yelled.
“Take care of your prince.” NAID gave me a wink and vanished.
It took no time for Kal to appear. His hair was rumpled and his wings out, tail slashing the air. I held my arms out, and Kal stepped into my embrace, knocking me back on the bed.
“Why did you leave?”
“Bathroom.”
“You should’ve woken me up.”
“You haven’t been sleeping.” I palmed his cheeks, loving the feel of his scales in my grasp. “NAID ratted you out.” His brow furrowed in obvious confusion, so I reiterated, “She told me about it.”
“She shouldn’t have.”
“I get to worry about you if you get to worry about me.”
He smiled, head dipping.
“So did you nap enough to take me for a walk?”
Smile dying, he said, “You’re not ready.”
“I never will be if I don’t move. Just down the hall and back.”
Kal frowned.
“I can go without you.”
“Fine.”
Tugging his face down, I kissed him. His touch remained gentle and slow, hands wandering over my sides but not going anywhere. I kissed his mouth open, but when my tongue touched his, Kal drew away.
“What?” I asked.
“Nothing.”
Worry prickled at the base of my skull. Did he not want me anymore? Being sick hadn’t been sexy. I shook my head and tried to banish the sudden anxiety. Kal loved me, and I needed to trust him, but it was hard.
Some of my worries must have been reflected in my expression because Kal asked, “What’s wrong?”
My mouth opened to say nothing, but I forced myself to ask, “Why did you stop kissing me?”
His lips pressed against mine for the barest moment. “Because you’re too tired to do more, and I want more.”
“Ah.” That made sense. “When I’m better, we’ll pick up where we left off.”
