Page 17 of Fangs and Family
At the earnest concern in his voice, some of the tension in my friend’s shoulders melted, and she sighed deeply, shaking her head.
‘You are such an arse, and I’ll definitely talk to Leszek about you screening my calls. Now take Nina home, please, and make sure she eats something before going to bed, even if you have to use compulsion to make her do it.’
My head snapped around at her instructions, the sense of betrayal making me lose control of my temper, especially since Adam already had his arms beneath me to lift me up.
‘You’re taking this too far. I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself, so stop treating me like a bloody toddler. Also, out of everybody here, you chose Adam to be the responsible adult? Seriously?’
‘I’m worried about you. I wish I could stop Pawel from dipping into your life and messing you up like this. I know you, Nina. I know you’re worried sick about him, but please, this time, let me look after you. I will come by tomorrow, I promise, and I’ll let you berate me to your heart’s content, but for now, let Adam take you home, please?’
‘Fine,’ I said, pushing the vampire away while climbing down off the trolley, instantly feeling giddy. I put my hand back to support myself on the railing when, in a blur of a movement, Adam scooped me up.
‘Put me down.’ I snapped, but he shook his head, and his stubborn expression told me he wouldn’t listen no matter what I said. Instead, he turned toward Sara.
‘Leave it to me. I will make sure she rests. Thank you for your help.’
‘Put me down!’ I punched his chest, but he didn’t even flinch. When I stopped, his dark blue eyes focused on my face.
‘It’s not up for discussion. Besides, do you want to cause a scene in the waiting room, Nina? You can barely stand, and if you fall again, I will have to pick you off the floor. So let’s do it in a civilised manner, one where I drive you home and then you can kick me out… again. One way or another, you are under my care tonight, and you can enjoy my temporary help or fight it kicking and screaming.’
‘Sara’s right, you are such an arsehole.’
‘Yes darling, but we established that a long time ago. I’m simply ensuring you will be able to keep your side of the bargain once you decide to take it. Personal care comes with the package, so calm down and enjoy the ride,’ he said.
I wanted to scream, but what choice did I have? Adam did what he always did, and that was whatever the fuck he wanted, but this time he was right. I didn’t want to cause a scene. Also, despite him speaking like a total jerk, his touch was always so gentle, and I would be lying to myself if I claimed I didn’t like it. If I couldn’t fight, I might as well enjoy it, so as soon as he carried me from the room, I embraced his neck and lay my head on his shoulder, giving the appearance of a lovers’ embrace much to the enjoyment of all the patients waiting to be seen.
‘You will regret this,’ I whispered into his ear, and I felt him tense again.
‘I already am. The stench of another vampire is all over you. Did you find a replacement for me? Someone whose bite you can tolerate? Do you really think he will help you find your brother?’
His questions took me by surprise, but more the tone of his voice. Adam sounded angry, jealous even, but underneath the anger was genuine distress. It would be easy to let him think I’d chosen someone else to bite me. It would ensure Adam had no delusions that I’d agree to be his blood donor, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I didn’t want to see him hurt, I just didn’t want to be hurt by him either, and the closer he got, the more likely it was that would happen. Not to mention, I might still need to ask for his help.
‘My last patient was a vampire. It appears he caught me before I hit the floor and carried me to the nursing station,’ I said.
Adam’s steps faltered. His hands tightened on my body as he pressed me to his chest. He didn’t look at me, his gaze fixed on something in the parking lot.
‘Thank you.’ The words were so quiet I barely heard them, but they allowed me to relax while he carried me to the car.
We drove in silence until he parked next to my apartment complex.
‘I can manage from here.’ I said, opening the door, and I heard him cursing quietly.
‘Come on, don’t make my life difficult, please,’ he said, offering me his arm. I took it. It was easier than trying to argue with him, especially since I suspected Adam was determined to fulfil Sara’s order to the letter.
As soon as we entered my apartment. Adam led me to the bathroom.
‘Take a quick shower while I make something to eat,’ my determined babysitter said, like it was the most normal thing to do. When the door closed behind him, I undressed and turned toward the mirror. Since I’d fainted, this was the first moment I’d been alone with any time to think. I felt unsettled with a vague sense of violation. It was as if nowhere was safe anymore, and something had been taken from me without my permission. Not knowing what it was made the situation worse, and the only sense of security was Adam in my kitchen, making food like we had never parted ways.
I turned on the shower and walked into the stall, letting the water wash away unsettling thoughts. I stood there for a long time before I was ready to exit, and when I did, I found my oversized flannel pyjamas warming for me on the radiator.
‘You didn’t have much in your fridge, but I managed some cheese toasties from what you had,’ Adam said, walking toward me with a plate. He put it on my nightstand before turning toward me.
‘You should eat in bed,’ he said, his roughish smile brightening his face, and I had a flashback of the night I met him. He’d taken me home and made me a sandwich before making himself a bed on the sofa. It felt good to have him here. I know it was wrong, that I was using him for comfort, but I needed Adam and this awkward sense of normality he brought into my chaotic life. I wrapped my hands around him, placing my head on his chest.
‘Please, just for a moment, could you hold me?’ I asked.
Adam looked down, and I felt his hands embrace me, gently stroking my back. He reached up and tucked a wet strand of hair behind my ear before bending until his nose touched my temple and inhaled deeply.
‘I missed this, Nina. I missed you.’ He said, pulling me closer. I didn’t expect this. The old Adam would say something snarky, sexy, or patronising, but those words sounded sincere.
