Page 44 of Renegade Rift

“Yes, help, Juliet. That’s what family does for each other.”

“I—” Words fail me. I know I claimed him in the cemetery and sure, we’ve gotten closer while organizing his apartment, but there isn’t a world in which I expected him to show up. Especially after everything he’s already done. Even Paige has said I’m a stubborn mule when it comes to asking and accepting help. It’s a skill I’ve yet to master.

Of course, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. For as long as I’ve lived in this city I’ve only had myself to count on.

My chin drops to my guilt filled chest, and I twiddle my fingers in my lap. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Ford barks a laugh. “How hard was it to say that?”

“It feels like there’s acid bubbling on my tongue.”

He lets out another soft chuckle and motions for me to make room for him on the bed.

When I do, he sits at my hip, ignoring the hiss from Lodhi. “While I appreciate your apology, it still doesn’t answer my question. What can I do to help?”

“I’m fine. Really.” Maybe if I say it a little slower, he’ll actually believe me.

Ford arches a brow and tilts his head in a way that makes him look far more innocent and adorable than should be allowed.

I sigh, feeling it all the way through my body. “You aren’t going to leave, are you?”

He shakes his head and shrugs. “It’s not like I have a game to be at.”

Which would be my fault as well.

Damn it.

How did I end up here?

He’s like a stray. You feed him once and he won’t leave you alone.

“There isn’t anything you can do.” My eyes narrow and even though I’d like to tell him to get the hell out and let me rot in peace, I don’t have the strength to fight. “I couldn’t get out of bed this morning, and my phone was on the opposite side of the apartment, so I just went back to sleep to see if I could make it go away before my cleaning this evening.”

I don’t miss the way Ford’s eyes dart to the rack of frilly lingerie in the corner at the mention of my job. He won’t come out and say it, but I know he wishes I’d stop cleaning. It’s something I’ve considered now that I don’t have mountains of debt to pay back. At the same time, until I decide what comes next for me, I don’t mind it. It’s easy work and I enjoy the thrill. Plus, I get to work with my best friend.

“Juliet.” He chides and frantically pulls his phone from his pocket. “Do I need to call an ambulance?”

I give a halfhearted laugh and place a swollen hand on his forearm. “Please don’t.”

Ford’s eyes lock on where my cherry red knuckles contrast against his skin. “Really, are you okay?”

“I promise I’ll be fine. The ambulance would laugh in your face only for the hospital to tell me this isn’t an emergency.” I want to fault him for his concern, but the way he’s looking at me, like he’d take the pain if he could, nearly breaks me. “This sometimes happens when I get my period. The influx of hormones sets off my immune system and?—”

“The antibodies make you inflamed,” he says softly putting it all together.

And now I want to cry.

I’ll blame the heightened hormones. But the truth is, I’m floored that he’s taken the time to understand the nuances of how my disease works.

I swallow hard and nod, willing the tears burning in my eyes to stay where they are. “Exactly. And it’s a double whammy this month with debilitating cramps. So, yay me.”

A crinkle forms between Ford’s brows as he processes my words, but instead of placating me with I’m sorries, and suggestions for what he thinks would make me feel better, he stands up and heads for the kitchen.

“What are you doing?”

He starts opening all the cupboards, clearly searching for something. “Well first, I am going to get you some water because you need to stay hydrated.”

“Thanks, Dr. Hulk,” I say, rolling my eyes, but my tongue feels like sandpaper so who am I to stop him? “Cups are in the cupboard next to the fridge.”

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