Page 38 of Shadows of Nightshade
“I’m not exactly model material,” Julian continued, almost pensively, as he stroked his chin. “You have to be approachable, and most people run away from me.”
I tilted my head. I couldn’t imagine why that’d be. Even if there was a certain energy from him, he was still gentle and sweet. And from what I’d seen so far, he didn’t brood.
Which wouldn’t change anything, because some people liked men who sulked.
He was friendly enough.
“Bianca,” he began. His tone was wary, and his masked expression revealed a veil of concern. “You doknow who I am, right?”
It’d be embarrassing for me to get his name wrong now. “You’re Julian Kohler,” I answered. “Damen’s friend,” and mine, too, by extension.
“And what do you know about me?” he asked.
“You’re in medical school.” Where was he going with this? Now I was beginning to feel silly. “And…” He was not a leg model.
“You have some sort of paranormal ability,” I added, at his deepening gaze, just in case I’d misunderstood, so he’d know who to blame. “At least Damen said so.”
“And who is Damen?” he asked.
“Damen is Finn’s brother,” I answered. “You’ve all been asking me this. I guess you guys are popular?” Perhaps I wasoffending him. Maybe not knowing their names was a great insult.
Stupid Finn, he should have warned me.
The barest hint of a frown touched at his lips before he composed himself. “And do you know who we are?”
“People?” At least, I hoped so. But I wasn’t sure of anything these days.
“Yeah…” Julian reached for his forehead, not hiding his scowl. “We are.”
“Does your head hurt?” I asked, trying to change the subject. Otherwise, I had a feeling that this line of questioning could continue for hours. Not that I minded—I was always keen to learn new things. But Julian looked half-zombified already.
Maybe after he took a nap.
“You should rest,” I said, jumping to my feet. “We’ll be able to talk more when the others come.”
He was distracted as he looked down at the pillows. “I don’t know,” he said finally, a note of longing in his voice. “I really should—”
“No,” I protested, thankful for this diversion. “It’s all right. That gives me time to finish up a few more things before everyone else gets here.”
Julian studied the pillows for another moment. “I should help you—”
“I’m fine.” I opened the linen closet and pulled out a quilt. I turned to him, face burning, as I hugged the fluffy folded square against my chest. “Even though I don’t know what you do, it doesn’t really matter right now. I know you work hard, and you need to rest.”
I hoped I didn’t sound as stupid as I felt. I moved to him, noting that he didn’t protest as I tucked the blanket around his shoulders.
In fact, his blue eyes widened as he stared at me.
“Sleep,” I said. When had I gotten so forward? “It’ll be okay.”
His expression softened, turning my insides to mush. “Then I will,” he said, grasping my hand before I could pull away. “Thank you, Bianca. You’ve helped me more than you could possibly know.”
Julian’s wordsstayed with me long after he fell asleep and I’d meandered into the kitchen to give him space. I’d finished the rest of the chores, but I didn’t dare take a bath while he was in the house. What if he woke up and needed me? I couldn’t fail in my duty to keep him entertained.
I loitered in the kitchen, trying to kill time and figure out what to do for dinner. I was tempted to text Damen or Miles, telling them my dilemma, and to make sure they knew to pick up food, but what if they bugged Julian instead? Still, I didn’t blame him for forgetting, since he’d clearly had a full schedule and was now being roped into helping me.
But at the same time, I felt strange. My chest felt hot, and my pulse throbbed under my skin. I didn’t understand why I was suddenly feeling this way. Who were these people, and why did it feel like—despite knowing next to nothing about them—I’d been with them for years?
Was this how friendship was supposed to be? I didn’t understand.
