I give them both a mischievous look. “Speaking of that…do you want to hit up the lingerie boutique next?”
“Oooh!” Chelsie squeals.
“I thought you wouldneverask!” Sean says.
CHAPTER 19: BLOOD
Paige
An agonizing ache shoots across my lower belly.
But it’s not because I’m feeling something for Crimson.
It’s because it’s the third day of my period.
The third day isalwaysthe worst for me. Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve had terrible menstrual pain, and heavy bleeding. It keeps getting worse and worse. Sometimes, it’s so bad I can barely stand. After several years of suffering, I went to my family doctor about it. But she told me that there wasn’t anything that she could do, and this is just “one of the things women have to put up with.”
I know. But what else can I do?
Even after scanning my nursing textbooks, I haven’t been able to come up with a better solution than a hot water bottle and a few days in bed when it’s really bad.
And this month isreallybad.
I guess I was asking for it. My sleep schedule is totally wrecked, and I’ve been drinking way more wine than I usually do. Of course my system was going to punish me for it.
Another cramp seizes me, making my head spin.
At least I have this gorgeous bed to have my sick day in. I’ve drawn the curtains, but the sun went down twenty minutes ago. I hate the thought of not getting to see Crimson tonight, but I suppose I shouldn’t get too greedy.
The sexy lingerie will just have to wait.
There’s a soft knock on my door.
“Who is it?” I call, parting the curtains around my bed.
A head pops in through the door. It’s Eloise, giving me a concerned look.
“Can I come in?” she asks, gently.
“Of course,” I reply, using all of my energy to prop myself up onto the pillows behind me. “Sorry, I’ve just gotawfulperiod cramps.”
“Ah, I thought it might be something like that,” Eloise says. “Crimson was asking for you. She said she hadn’t seen you for the past few nights, so I thought I’d come check.”
“Tell her I’m sorry, but I’m not up for it,” I sigh, disappointed.
“Can I get you anything?” she asks. “I can ask the restaurant to bring you some nice tea, or some dinner. Are you hungry?”
I give her a tight smile. “I’m ok, thanks. When it’s bad like this, I don’t have much of an appetite.”
Eloise clicks her tongue. “You poor thing. Well, I’ll let Crimson know, and you get some rest, all right?”
“Thanks, Eloise.”
She closes the door softly. I reach for my book, but it’s hard to concentrate. All I can think about is Crimson.
I haven’t seen her since I broke up with Blake. I can’t believe it took me so long to do it. Now that it’s over, I’m amazed that I could have stayed with him so long. But I know I shouldn’t blame myself. Lots of people stay in relationships for longer than they should. And Blake was my first real relationship. I’ve never known anything else.
In some ways, I think I’ve become a lot more assertive since I’ve come here. It’s definitely challenging me. I’ve had to stand up to some of the vampires, like Waylan and Sabina. I’ve never navigated anything like that before.
