Page 238 of Frost and Death
49
Side By Side
Jonas looks at me in question, and I incline my head once. He exhales quickly, reaching forward to knock three times.
I hold the food tray in a death grip, grateful Jonas and I caught Dorit with a plate of food. I stole it from her, knowing I needed it for Jerrick. I tremble with exhaustion and foreboding as the last and final knock echoes in the hall.
“I said go away,” someone says on the other end, quick to dismiss us.
Jonas clears his throat and says with trepidation, “Jer, it’s me. It’s about Tove.” He helps me a step when he hears footsteps on the other end rushing toward the door.
I move tentatively, watching my footing and catching wind of the door.
The frame fills with Jerrick.
My heart sinks at him so disheveled and so…broken.
He looks bewildered and angry, no sign of flirtation or charisma. Not even a sign of the King of Palaena. Just a man who was betrayed by someone he thought he trusted.
I hurt him. So much.
“Wha—”
Jerrick’s anger ceases, and he goes rigid.
Disbelief is visible as he looks at Jonas, me, then the tray of food. When our eyes lock again, his entire posture slackens. So many apologies surging forth, and I tremble, my determination faltering.
I take a small step forward, Jonas helping me as I extend the food tray Jerrick.
“I-I hoped food could h-help with my ap—”
Jerrick lunges forward, snatching the tray and shoving it into Jonas’s hands.
The swiftness of his movements sends me off kilter. I sway, but Jerrick catches me, pulling me to him.
I’m frozen in a state of shock, unsure of what I did to deserve his embrace.
Jerrick pulls away, his hands finding my cheeks as he hunches over me. Emotions are thick in his expression, and I cannot help tears from lining my vision. His face pinches, and he tucks himself into the crook of my neck, shuddering.
Tears run down the sides of my cheeks despite wanting to buckle from exhaustion. I do not know how I remain standing, but I fight it, smelling salt in the air mixed with the leather and cologne.
“Frostbite,” Jerrick murmurs against my skin.
I close my eyes at the damned nickname I’ve grown to love, my heart breaking as I realize this could be the last time he says it to me.
I remain silent through my fears, needing to commit it to memory, too.
Jerrick glances at his brother. “Jonas, could you?” he asks, with pure kindness brightening his features into a smile.
“On it,” Jonas says, walking into Jerrick’s room.
Dizziness makes me sway again and Jerrick is so in tune with me. He lightens his hold to pick me up with ease.
I don’t protest, too tired, as he carries me into his room, placing me on his bed.
Jerrick remains in front of me while Jonas sets the tray down. From over Jonas’s shoulder a closed-lip smile lights his features as I mouth,Thank you.
Anytime, sis, Jonas mouths back, closing the door behind him.
