A Crazy Night

180

Sebastian stood awkwardly at the doorstep with his hands full of food containers. He wanted nothing more than to dig a hole and bury himself in it.

“Mr. Hadley, we’ve finished packing the food.”

Nathaniel’s stern countenance was icy, and his jaw was stiff. “Right.”

Sebastian robotically placed all the food and arranged them before promptly excusing himself.

The room fell back into silence once the door was shut.

“Didn’t you say you were hungry? Come on out and eat.” Nathaniel directed his words at Christina, curled up in a ball.

She gingerly stuck her head out once she’d confirmed no one else was around. Her stomach grumbled even more at the sight of the table arrayed with her favorite delicacies.

Christina was positively famished. She’d lost her appetite since being down with the flu during the competition. Moreover, she’d blacked out for an entire day due to the incident after that. As such, it would have been almost two days since she’d last eaten.

Christina stuffed her mouth full of meat and gobbled it down, appearing to be sating her hunger instead of savoring the taste of the food.

“Darling, you should stop staring at me and dig in.” She paused mid-chew and cocked her head at Nathaniel.

Nathaniel had never left her side for the past few days and ate far less than she did.

“I’m not hungry. I’m fine watching you enjoy your food.” Nathaniel surveyed the food before him and contemplated whether or not it was enough for Christina.

Christina served him a piece of meat she’d bitten into. “Eating alone is so meaningless. The food tastes so much better when we’re eating together. Your presence even seemed to make my injuries more bearable.”

She winked at him impishly.

Christina felt energized after her meal with Nathaniel. She could even move freely as long as she didn’t accidentally prod her wounds.

The police called the following day, asking her to make a trip to the police station to confirm the suspect’s identity.

Nathaniel gently smoothed her hair, exuding a calming presence. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll accompany you.” His eyes darkened at the thought of the man who’d hurt Christina. If only I could dismember him and dispose of his body in the abyss.

The bloodthirstiness in his eyes was fleetingly replaced by a serene look on his chiseled face.

Christina looked at the ground and made a muffled sound of agreement. She failed to notice the subtle change in his expression.

As a victim, she still felt shaken just thinking of the assailant’s twisted features.

Nathaniel pulled her into his embrace while she was caught up in her thoughts. The side of her face rested against his sturdy chest, and she could feel his strong heartbeat that somehow managed to chase away all her fears.

Christina considered completing the necessary procedures to get discharged since she would be leaving the hospital either way.

Nathaniel initially disagreed. He believed she needed to rest for several more days. Since her work schedule was flexible, she didn’t need to be in a rush to return to work.

Christina held onto his arm and pouted. “I dislike the scent of the disinfectant and can’t get used to the bed here. Let me go home, please?”

She brushed her face against his arm pitifully. The hopefulness in her eyes was as if she believed he could pluck the stars from the sky as long as she said the word.