Chapter 135

• Ayla POV
• Callan’s aftershave wrapped around me in a cocoon of safety; tingles ran across my lips as I felt him pressing his lips against mine. My eyes fluttered open, relieved at seeing his handsome face hovering above me, safe and untouched by Runduc. As I swung my legs out of the bed, it felt like my brain was spinning around inside my skull. I stood up wanting to get some of the food Callan had brought me, but the floor felt strange; my feet felt so heavy, like I had two bricks connected to my legs, which felt like two strands of spaghetti. My knees buckled, but thankfully I fell back onto the soft mattress, but that worry that was etched into Callan’s eyes earlier today hit me hard in my head like a train had crashed into my brain, my throat felt tight, and my chest began to burn. I didn’t want Callan to worry; he already carried the weight of the world on his shoulders because of me, and I didn’t want to burden him more than I already had, but as I leaned down to give him a kiss of reassurance and to feel his lips against mine once more, everything blurred, and flashes of light flickered in my eyes, making me fall forward. I quickly caught myself and played it off as nothing, but the way Callan was watching me made me think he saw.
• “Did you sort out everything you needed to?” I asked as I sat on the bed eating the fried chicken Callan had brought up to me. The chicken tasted bland, and the fries that I had loaded with salt tasted of nothing. I couldn’t even taste the salt. I dropped the piece of chicken back onto the plate and placed it beside me while I listened to Callan. His voice was deep and soothing. I could listen to him talking all night and never tire of his voice.