Page 120 of Swan

My lips twitched. Too fucking cute.

“Yes, what, Birdy?”

“Your place, please.” She grew flustered and looked down at my hands.

I squeezed her thighs gently and stood. I brushed a finger over her damp forehead and then pressed the back of my hand there. My gut twisted. “You’re burning up, Birdy. I’m gonna quickly pack you a bag, and we’ll get out of here.” I bent, kissed her temple, and rushed up the stairs to her room. Her bag that she’d taken away was still out, so I used it for her sleepwear, underwear, which I didn’t linger on, and some tees, leggings, and tracksuit pants. I went into the bathroom for her toiletry bag, which was still on the sink with items in it. If her toothbrush wasn’t there, I had a spare at my place.

Back in the bedroom, I placed the smaller bag in the bigger one and took out my phone. I placed an Uber order of groceries, which should arrive around the same time we did.

Downstairs with her bag over my shoulder, I went to the couch and caught her swallowing with a wince.

“Your throat hurtin’, babe?”

She nodded.

“Okay, I’ve got stuff at my place. Let’s get you there.” I helped her up, and with my arm around her waist, I led her to the front door. It was warm outside, and with the fever she had, I didn’t want to put anything over the sleepwear she wore. “Grab your purse.” She did, and the box of tissues there too. I wanted to laugh as she hugged them to her chest protectively, but my woman was sick. I needed to take care of her.

As soon as I had Swan in the car, I placed her bag on the back seat and heard her blow her nose.

When I got in, she rolled her head to me and blinked tiredly. She was really stuffed up, and I bet her body ached too.

“Rest while we get there,” I told her.

She hummed and closed her eyes.

After arriving at my place, I saw the delivery driver get out of his vehicle a few spots down just as Coyote walked out the front door of his shop.

“What are you still doin’ here?” I called as I climbed out and gently shut the door since Swan was sound asleep in the car still.

“Wanted to check the last stock supply I got. Seemed light.” He nodded towards the Uber driver. “I’ll grab that stuff while you get your woman in.”

“Thanks.” I walked around the car to Swan’s door and opened it. Crouching, I rested a hand to her thigh and shook it slightly. “Birdy?” A grin overtook me when she groaned and mumbled something but stayed sleeping. I tried again. “Swan, we’re here. Come on.”

“Go away,” she said.

“Can’t do that, Birdy. Gotta get you inside and in my bed.”

She snapped awake. “Drake?”

“Yeah, babe.” I chuckled. Reaching over, I undid her seat belt. “Let’s get inside.” I assisted her from the car and into the building. “Brother, grab her bag from the back seat and lock it up.” When Coyote nodded, I threw him the keys and pulled Swan close with my arm around her waist.

My woman was as slow as a snail, and I knew the building was big, so the walk for Swan in her state would be long. Which was why I picked her up in my arms and carried her.

“Too heavy,” she complained.

“Never,” I told her.

She sighed, resting her head to my shoulder.

Fuck, it felt good to have her in my arms. To be the one able to take care of her.

She was mine.

To hold. To love. And I’d make sure she was always protected.

Even from a damned cold.

I adjusted her a little to be able to unlock and open my door. I took her down the dimly lit hall, walking by the offices at the front of the second floor and in through the double doors, which were already open, to my living, dining, and kitchen.

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