Page 5 of Twisted Betrayal

“What do you mean?”Her heart felt like it was going to jump out of her skin.

“You looked like this after your mom died.”

Oh, God.She remembered how hollow she’d felt and how the pain seemed to grow inside her every day after her mom passed.It actually felt a lot like that and even kind of worse.

“Yes.I have a headache, and my stomach is still upset.”

She tried her hardest to keep her eyes on his.

“I brought up some fresh juice.Let’s get the aspirin in you.”

He pulled her up to a sitting position and braced her before handing her the glass and then the pills.She took them, drank the juice, and handed him the glass.

She glanced at the clock and gasped.“I have to call the school...”

“I already did.They have your class covered.I don’t want you to worry about anything but resting,” he said.

She relaxed.“Thank you.”

“I’ll always be here to take care of you.”

Riley nodded.“I know.And you know I’m here for anything you need, right?”

He scowled again.“Of course.Where is this coming from?”

“I just wanted you to know that if you got sick, I’d take care of you.”

“You’ve done that a few times in the years we’ve been together,” he said with a small smile.“And I know I’m an awful patient.”

She smiled and then yawned.“Is it okay if I go back to sleep?”

“Yes.Do you want to stay up here or be down with me?”

She nodded.“You know you can go to work.I’m not that sick.”

He smoothed the hair from her face.“You are more important than anything.Everything can wait.”

“Thank you.”

He bent forward and kissed her sweetly on the lips.

She put her hand out to try to push him away.

“What’s the problem?”he asked in a perplexed tone of voice.

Oh, hell, now he looked upset.“I don’t want you to get sick.I’m not sure if this is contagious or not.”

“I don’t give a fuck if it is.”

She hated the confused, suspicious look on his face.“I’m sorry.”

His hand was wrapped around her cheek.“I know.Get some rest.”

“I will.You’ll see.I’ll feel better soon.”