Page 103 of Composed
“Hey,” she croaks, a cough following her words. “What are you doing here?”
I reach out for her and tug her into my chest. Heat pours from her body. She shivers when I wrap my arms around her.
I perch her on the edge of the bed and drop to my haunches.
“You’ve not been answering your phone, baby. I’ve been worried.”
She sniffles again. “Sorry. I’ve not long woken up.”
“Are you okay?”
She peeks up at me.
I brush her hair from her face, her skin searing my cold fingers.
“Pretty sure I’m dying.” She chokes a laugh. “I started feeling shit as soon as I got home yesterday and just crashed.”
“You’re not dying,” I tell her, my chest aching at her forlorn expression. “But you aren’t well. Why didn’t you call me?”
Her shoulders lift. “You’ve been busy with the guys, getting ready for the show tonight. Didn’t want to bother you.”
“You are never a bother to me.” I run my fingers up and down her spine. “When are you gonna realise that, huh?”
Her chest hitches as a chorus of coughs explode from her.
“Come on, let’s get you in bed.” I stand, peel the cover back, and lay her down. “Do you need anything?”
She cuddles a pillow, her eyes fluttering shut. “No, just sleep.”
“Alright.” I toe my boots off and peel my hoodie over my head.
She peeks at me through dipped lashes. “What are you doing?”
I chuckle. “You’re radiating heat, baby. If we’re snuggling, I’m not wearing a jumper and risking you getting any warmer.”
She shuffles herself up and presses her back to the headboard, rapidly shaking her head. “No. You’ve got a show in less than twelve hours. You can’t stay here.”
“Sure, I can.” I tug my phone out and fly off a text to Saint letting him know I’m not gonna make it. “Ax can handle the vocals for one night.”
Saints response is immediate.
“Saint says to rest up and let him or Theo know if we need anything. See?” My stomach twists as tears fill her eyes. “Hey, don’t cry, baby.”
“You have to go to your show.”
I sit on the edge of her bed and thread our fingers together. “Rixie. You are my number one priority. I’m not gonna leave you alone while you’re sick. Deal with it.”
“But—”
I silence her with a kiss
“You’re gonna get sick now,” she saysagainst my lips.
“Don’t care.” I ease her onto her side and slide into the bed behind her. Curling my arms around her waist, I pull her into my chest. “I missed you, baby.”
She kisses my wrist. “Please don’t miss your show for me. I’m not worth that.”
I squeeze her tighter. “You are worth every single thing.”
