Victorious(52)

“You can pee in front of me, Nat.”

“I don’t think I can, actually.”

“I’m afraid to leave you.”

“I’ll hold on. I promise.”

“Call me if you need help.”

“I will.”

As soon as the door clicks shut behind him, I get busy checking what’s going on below. Nothing. I’m beyond thankful he didn’t have to deal with that on top of the puking and the rest.

I immediately regret a quick glance in the mirror. I use the last of my dwindling strength to brush my hair and teeth before I call for Flynn to give me a lift back to bed.

“Do you think you could eat something?”

“I don’t know. Maybe some soup. Later. First I just want to close my eyes for a minute while you hold me.”

“We can do that.”

The next time I open my eyes, sunshine fills the room and I’m alone in bed. I experiment with moving my arms and legs, which seems easier than it was the last time I was awake. My headache seems a bit better, too. I attempt to sit up and have to take a moment before the spinning stops.

Flynn comes into the room wearing a pair of basketball shorts and those sexy glasses that make him look so smart. His hair is standing straight up and he hasn’t shaved in days, but he still makes my heart beat a little faster just by walking into the room with Fluff hot on his heels.

“You look better.”

“I feel a little better.”

“Thank goodness. How about some food?”

“That actually sounds good.”

“Progress, Fluff. I told you Mommy would feel better soon.”

“You guys are getting along okay?”

“We’re living proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks. She’s learned not to bite the hand that feeds her.”

My heart melts at the adoring gaze Fluff directs his way. “Glad to see something good came out of me getting stricken with the plague.”

“I also got a ton of work done, and I’m all caught up, which makes Hayden very, very happy.”

“Oh good.”

“Not good. I never want to see you that sick again—ever.”

“Let’s hope it was a one-time thing.”

“The doc says you have to take it really easy for a week to ten days, so I canceled the trip to London.”

“No! You have to go! I’ll stay home while you go.”

“Absolutely not. I’m not going anywhere without you.”

“But you’re going to win!”

“I can’t believe you just said that out loud.”

“This is no time for your superstitions.”

“Natalie…”

“You have to go.”

“I’m not going without you, and you can’t go. That’s the end of it.”

I recognize defeat when I see it. Sighing, I say, “I was really looking forward to going to London.”

“We’ll get there. For now, we’re going to chill at home until you’re fully recovered, and that’s that.”

“I hope you don’t get it, too.”

“I won’t. I seriously never get anything.”

“With all your superstitions, you’d better be knocking on some wood with that statement.”

He makes a big production out of knocking on the bedside table. “Now let’s get some food into you.”





True to his word, after we finally check out of the hotel, we don’t leave the house at all over the next week. We watch him win the BAFTA for Best Actor on TV, and this time Marlowe accepts the award for him. During the week, Flynn works from his home office, participating in conference calls with the Quantum team in between checking on me and waiting on me hand and foot. He also oversees another meeting of the foundation board of directors, which I sleep through.

“You’re like my butler,” I tell him when he makes lunch for me on Friday, the day before the Valentine’s Day party his parents are hosting to celebrate our marriage. This is the first day I feel somewhat normal, although I’m still far more tired than I should be.

“We can role-play that sometime. I’ll be your faithful servant, and you can be the mistress of the manor who orders me to service her in more ways than one.”

“Ohh, I like that. Could I dominate you in this scenario?”

“To a certain extent.”

“When can we do that?”

“You might not want to light the fuse, baby. I’m feeling a little pent-up over here.”

“Awww, my poor sweet hubby has been so neglected by his sick wife.”

“You’re racking up the demerits,” he says with a teasing grin.

I rest my hands on his chest and look up at him. “Tell me the truth. Have you been taking the edge off on your own?” I can tell right away that the question has surprised and maybe shocked him.

“Whatever has become of my sweet, virtuous wife?”

“She married a sex-crazed maniac who has turned her into one, too.”

“Is that right?” He zeroes in on my lips, his eyes heating with desire. “Maniac, huh?”

“Answer the question.”

“Since you came down with the bubonic plague, I have not once touched the equipment except to pee and wash it.”