Page 57 of Eternal

“What appointment?”

“I’m surprised you don’t already know since you’re stalking my therapy sessions and all.”

His eyebrows pinch. “You go to therapy on Tuesday and Thursday.”

“How—” I freeze, staring at him. I was joking, but clearly, he wasn’t. “It was a last-minute appointment.”

“Is something wrong?”

“Do you suddenly care?” I laugh.

“Answer the question, Teal.” Declan’s voice lands like thunder in the room.

“Nothing’s wrong.” I grip the sheet to my chest. “Dr. Parish readjusted my dose, so he wanted to check in. That’s all.”

“Why did he adjust it?”

I grit my teeth, not sure why Declan has chosen this particular conversation to latch onto. As much as I’d like to just not answer him, I know he’ll find the information one way or another.

“I was having a bad reaction to the previous one.” I stand up, wrapping the sheet around me. “It’s no big deal. It happens all the time.”

Declan hums, watching me.

“What’s with the twenty questions?” My irritation spikes. “And where are my clothes?”

Declan climbs out of his chair, walks over to the dresser, and grabs my outfit. I didn’t see it there. But at some point in the night, he must have moved them from the floor and folded them.

I know Declan thrives on control, but apparently, he’s also extremely neat.

“What kind of bad reaction?” He stops in front of me, tossing my clothes onto the bed.

“Oh my god, Declan.” I close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Who cares what kind of bad reaction? You’re not my doctor.”

“Doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me about it.”

“Because you’re so understanding?” I spear him with a glare.

“Because sometimes it helps to talk about it.”

“Hence why I’m going to see my therapist.”

“And you tell him everything?”

“Yes.” I tip my chin up, trying to be strong. “Mostly…”

“You’re my girlfriend, Teal. If something’s bothering you, you need to tell me.” He crosses his arms over his chest.

“You’re bothering me.” I narrow my eyes.

Declan tilts his head to the side, unamused. “You know that’s not what I’m talking about.”

“Why should I talk to you, Declan? So you can gather more blackmail? No thanks.”

He grabs my jaw. “Because if you don’t get it out, it’ll eat you up inside.”

“Why does that matter to you?”

“You’re my girlfriend.”

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