Page 35 of The Fated Mate Bandit

He smiles. “Hey. How are you feeling?”

“Oh, um, fine. I mean, I was hungry, so I thought I’d… I’m sorry about the phone number thing. I didn’t mean… I can give them my number. I’m sorry if they left because of me. I just?—”

“It’s okay. They had to get back to work. They left you their numbers here.” He holds up a torn piece of paper with four names listed: Tin, Coin, Quin, Link. Each has a ten-digit number underneath.

Back when I met Daryll, I deleted all their numbers because I didn’t want to be tempted to call them. I knew I needed a clean break. Otherwise, I’d come crawling back to Ruby’s house every time I felt lonely. There were plenty of times I regretted that decision. Sometimes I fantasized about keeping in contact with Coin or Quin, just so I could feel the warmth of being close to their family again.

I approach Silver and take the paper from him. Now I have all of their numbers. I could text Quin: How are you? I could ask Coin what songs he’s recorded. Maybe he could send me a link to listen to them.

It almost makes me want to charge my phone.

“You don’t mind if I have this?” I ask Silver.

He furrows his eyebrows. “Why would I mind?”

“I don’t know. They’re your brothers?—”

“They’re your brothers, too. No matter what. You heard what they said.”

I don’t remember that part very well. I was too busy thinking about my phone and the messages I haven’t read from Daryll. But if Silver claims they said that, I believe him.

I fold the paper carefully and slide it in my pocket.

“Could I have breakfast?” I ask.

He stands up. “Of course. Let me make you something.”

“No, I’ve got it. You keep working.” I rush over to the fridge and open it before he gets any ideas about cooking for me anyway.

“Okay, but I wouldn’t say no to more cuddling today, if you’re game for that.”

My stomach does this little flip flop. There’s nothing I want more than to sit in Silver’s lap all day while he works. This is my month of happiness, right? Why shouldn’t I?

I make myself some toast and slather it with jam I find in one of Ruby’s old mason jars. That must mean she made it. I pour myself a glass of milk, too. The doctor said I need lots of calcium. I still haven’t had the courage to bring up prenatal vitamins with Silver yet. They’re expensive, and he’s already bought so much for me. I can probably go another day or two without taking them.

I pick up my plate and glass, ready to head over to the table, when I notice the iPad on the counter. I saw it yesterday, including the charger it’s hooked up to. It’s an older one, just like my phone. I’m almost certain it uses the same charger.

I could borrow it to charge my phone. I wouldn’t have to look at Daryll’s messages yet. I could swipe past them and text Quin.

No, not yet. I might see Daryll’s texts in the process.

I set my plate and glass next to Silver’s laptop. “Is it still okay if I…”

He holds out his arms to me. “Yes, I would love that.”

I curl into his lap and rest my head on his shoulder. His scent and warmth envelope me in a cocoon of safety that feels even better today. I nibble on my toast and peel my orange, all while cuddled close to him. After I’ve eaten and drank my milk, I’m completely sated and at peace. I fall asleep to thetap,tap,tapof his keyboard and thethump,thump,thumpof his heart against my cheek.

“Lucas.” I hear Silver’s voice off in the distance. It’s a nice voice—a safe voice.

“Baby, it’s time to get up.”

I blink my eyes open. Silver is rubbing my back. To my utter horror, I’m drooling on his shirt with my cheek smashed against his chest. I sit up straight and wipe the drool from the side of my mouth.

“Sorry to wake you, but I really have to go to the bathroom. I needed to go a while ago, but you were sleeping so peacefully, I didn’t want to disturb you.” He smiles at me fondly, and my heart melts. I didn’t think anyone would ever look at me like that again.

I stand up and he turns in the other direction, sprinting for the hallway. I guess he really had to go. How long did he wait so I could sleep? His kindness makes me feel safe, just like being close to him.

Then, I have to go to the bathroom because I always have to go to the bathroom. I retreat to the toilet in the ensuite connected to his bedroom. While I’m peeing, I notice another charger. This one is just waiting on the counter. I don’t know if it’s for his phone or iPad. After I wash my hands, I look at it for a long time.

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