Page 37 of Little Sunshine

“Is the fact I want to know not a good reason?”

“No,” she said with zero hesitation.

My lips tipped at the small sign of attitude.

The silence stretched. I thought she’d fallen asleep when she quietly said, “Mila.”

“Mila,” I repeated, liking the way it sounded.

Liking that she’d told me.

Wondering if it was the truth.

“Was that so hard, Mila?”

She shifted her head to glare at me before resting again.

I hated to do it, but I ordered, “You need to stay awake.”

“But I’m tired.” Bone-deep exhaustion seeped into her voice. “So fucking tired.”

Contrary to her claim, when the elevator suddenly dinged a moment later, she quickly sat up.

Miles filled the office doorway, and her gaze shot to me.

Betrayal.

Accusation.

Panic.

“It’s okay,” I tried, but it was too late.

She bolted upright, ready to run.

Or kick me in the balls.

I wasn’t sure which.

Likely both.

Miles picked up on her anxiety and raised his hands, flashing her the smile that charmed even the pissy old ladies who stalked the penny slots. “I’m just here with the doctor.”

Well-intended as his words may have been, it was the wrong fucking thing to say.

Mila spun on her heel, pointing a finger up at me. “You promised.”

“Promised I wouldn’t bring you to the doctor. Said nothing about bringing the doctor here.”

“That’s the same thing.” Her head tilted to the side for a moment. “Actually, it’s worse.”

“How?”

Ignoring me, she stormed toward Miles and the doorway. Her voice was rough—from pain, anger, or both—when she forced out, “Excuse me.”

His gaze went over her head to meet mine, and I shook my head. He stayed in place, blocking her exit.

She dropped the niceties. “Move.”

---