Between Us

Chapter 45 : Love in the Line of Fire

I watched her try to smile at me, but there was a heaviness in her eyes that she couldn't hide. She sat down on the edge of the bed, looking worn out, and said, "I think I'm just going to sleep for a bit. I'm really tired and not feeling too great."

I moved closer to her, reaching out to touch her forehead, my fingers brushing against her skin as I studied her face. "Are you sure you're okay? Do you need anything?" I asked, trying to gauge how serious it was.

She shook her head gently. "No, I just need some sleep," she whispered.

I nodded, running my fingers through her hair in a soothing motion. "Alright, try to rest then," I said softly, watching her closely. But then, I noticed her face turn a shade paler, and a knot of worry twisted in my stomach. "Charlotte, are you sure you're okay?" I asked again, this time more urgently.

She nodded again, but before I could press further, she got up and made her way to the bathroom. I followed her, my worry growing with each step. As soon as I saw her drop to her knees in front of the toilet and begin to vomit, my heart sank.

I rushed over to her, kneeling beside her, rubbing her back in slow, calming circles. "It's okay, let it out," I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady, even though seeing her like this made me feel helpless.

When she seemed to be done, I helped her up, wrapping an arm around her waist and guiding her back to the bed. I tucked her in, pulling the blanket up around her, and leaned down to kiss her forehead. "I'm going to get you some water and maybe a little something to eat, just in case," I said softly, my fingers brushing her hair away from her face.

"No," she said weakly, her eyes fluttering shut. "I just need to sleep."

I leaned over her, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Do you want me to stay here with you? I can lie down next to you," I offered, wanting to make sure she knew I wasn't going anywhere.

She shook her head again, managing a faint smile. "No, don't worry. I'll be okay," she assured me, her voice quiet but steady.

I stayed there for a moment longer, just watching her, feeling torn. I wanted to make everything better, to take away whatever was making her feel like this. But she needed rest. So I kissed her forehead again, squeezing her hand softly, and whispered, "I'm right here if you need me." Then, I reluctantly got up, giving her one last look before stepping out to give her the space she needed.

I grabbed a bottle of water, some meds, and a few things for Charlotte to eat, my mind racing a bit with worry. As I moved around the kitchen, I noticed Jax sitting nearby, staring at his phone. When he looked up and saw me, I could see he wanted to say something.

"Can we talk?" he asked, his tone softer than usual.

I paused, then shook my head. "There's no need, Jax. We don't need to bring all that up again," I replied, not wanting to drag everything back to the surface.

"I didn't mean—" he started, but I cut him off.

"It's fine," I said, my tone firmer than I intended.

He glanced at the meds in my hand and raised an eyebrow. "What's all that for? What are you doing?"

"Charlotte's not feeling well," I explained, turning back to what I was doing. "She just threw up."

Jax nodded slowly, his brow furrowing. "She probably ate something bad."

"Maybe," I muttered, not really convinced.

After a moment of silence, he asked, "Are you really leaving?"

I nodded, keeping my eyes on the task. "Yeah, that's the plan. We've got everything sorted," I said, looking back at him.