Chapter 0180

I smile, my fingers brushing against his neck before trailing down to his chest. "Thank you," I murmur, already slipping back into a dreamless sleep.

Morning light filters through the curtains when I wake, but the bed beside me is empty. The sheets still hold his warmth, though—Sebastian hasn’t been gone long. I push myself up, my body stiff but stronger than yesterday. The bathroom isn’t far, but the distance feels daunting.

Gritting my teeth, I slide off the bed, gripping the mattress for balance. My legs wobble, but they hold. One step. Then another.

The door swings open before I can take the third.

Sebastian strides in, damp hair curling at his nape, fresh from the shower. His eyes widen. "What the hell are you doing?"

Three long strides, and he’s scooping me up like I weigh nothing.

"I need to pee," I mutter, face heating.

"You couldn’t wait five minutes?" He shakes his head, carrying me toward the bathroom. "Dorian just jumped down. I thought you’d still be asleep."

He sets me in front of the toilet, then arches a brow when I don’t move.

"Out," I say flatly.

A smirk tugs at his lips. "I’ll be right outside. Call when you’re done."

He leaves the door cracked. Not ideal, but I’m desperate. The moment I finish, his voice drifts through the gap. "Done?"

"Yes."

He’s behind me before the faucet finishes running, hands steadying my hips as I wash up. "Dr. Whitmore’s coming by later. Food’s on the way. Bedrest today—no arguments." His tone brokers no debate.

"Are you leaving?" I turn, catching the tension in his jaw.

"Blackstone needs me. I’ve put off too much already." His thumb brushes my hipbone. "Nathaniel will check on you. Need anything to pass the time? Books? Music?" A teasing glint enters his eyes. "Knitting?"

I snort. "Knitting?"

"Covering all bases, sweetheart." That damn smile does things to my stomach.

"Books. Music. No yarn."

He nods, lifting me effortlessly. "Couch or bed?"

"Couch."

His lips thin, but he deposits me on the plush cushions anyway. "Be right back."

The door opens before he reaches it. Nathaniel strides in, balancing a tray. "Morning, Seraphina. You really know how to scare a man."

"Sorry," I mutter, not in the mood to relive last night.

"Don’t be." He sets the tray on my lap, settling beside me. His arm drapes over the couch behind me. "So. Guess we’re stuck together today."

Sebastian’s growl rattles the windows.

Nathaniel just grins wider as Sebastian storms out, the door slamming behind him.