The way he seized up made her think, just for a moment, that she’d given him a heart attack or something. Then he sucked in a breath and his arm tightened around her.
“Really?” Wonder mixed with pain and fear in his voice as he slowly turned to look at her. His breath warmed her ear as she stared at her hands, resting limply in her lap. “You are?”
She nodded, squeezing her eyes shut. “Gods help us, I am.”
“When—how long have you—?”
“Not long,” she said, finally starting to relax. She leaned into his arms, forgetting for a moment that he was hurting at least as much as she was, not much stronger than she was right then. “I’m still half trying to figure out how Jacqueline figured it out, but I guess she’s got some kind of healing gift. She figured it out.” She turned toward him and slid her arms around him, buried her face in his neck. “I told my cousin before I told you. I’m sorry.”
Cameron laughed weakly, wrapping her up in a tight hug and holding her there against his chest. “I was mostly unconscious. Hard to tell anyone anything when they’re in that state, right?”
“I guess so.” Gods and monsters, this feels so much better than it has any right to. Neve sighed and sagged. “Still, Cam, I should’ve told you first. You had a right to be the first to know.”
“Water under the bridge,” he told her. “I know now. That’s what’s important.” He rested his chin against her temple. “Though how we’re going to handle it in the long run is another story entirely.”
She laughed weakly. “Don’t I know it. We’ll figure it out. Somehow.” She took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly, straightening again to give him a long, hard look. “You look like shit,” she finally said, a wry smile twisting her lips.
Cameron laughed. “You don’t look too hot yourself.” He kissed her jaw and stretched again. “Christ. You’re right, I do need to stop having chunks taken out of me.” He held her silently for a few long moments before he sighed and shifted, moving as if he intended to get out of bed.
“What are you doing?”
“Seeing if I’m any better this time than I was the last time.” He swung his legs over the side of the bed with a slight wince. “How many days did I sleep this time?”
“Fewer,” she said, brows knitting. “I don’t think you should get up, though.”
He looked at her sidelong. “It’s not like I’m intending to try to fight or anything like that, Neve,” he said softly. “But you sure as hell can’t gainsay me wanting to help, can you?”
Neve caught her lower lip between her teeth, watching him as he sat there at the edge of the bed, arms trembling slightly as he gripped the edge of the mattress.
“No,” she finally whispered. “I guess not. But that doesn’t mean I have to like the risks you’re about to take.”
“Risks? I’m not about to take any risks. I’m going to take a walk down the frigging hallway, Neve. Nothing more strenuous than that, I promise.” He cupped her cheek with one hand and kissed her cheek, his thumb brushing against her jaw. “Don’t worry,” he said, a smile lighting his eyes. “I’m not going to abandon you—you’re stuck with me whether you like it or not.”
She gave a nervous little laugh and put her arms around him. “I’m glad you didn’t make me stay behind,” she said quietly. “I know I say it, but sometimes I don’t feel like I’ve said it often enough. I’m lucky you let me be with you this far.”
“And you’re going to be stuck with me for a long time to come if I’ve got anything to say about it.” He kissed her soundly and stood, shaky and wavering on his feet at first before he straightened fully. He winced as he did, putting one hand against his side with a soft hiss. “Hurts a little more this time,” he said. “I think it does, anyway, but that might be because I’m awake sooner.” He turned slowly, watching her as she sat amidst the tangled blankets.
“Go on,” she said softly. “Bring me back something hot to drink, will you?”
“You don’t want to come?”
She shook her head. “No. I’m going to rest a little longer. I’ll wait for you here where it’s warm.”
Cameron smiled a bright, rakish smile. “And you’ll be here to warm me up when I come back.”
Neve had to laugh as he leered at her. “I’ll think about it anyway. Shoo.”
He stole one more kiss. “I’ll be back.”
“Of that,” she said softly. “I have no doubt.”
