Chapter 23

T he worst thing ever was having to function even though he was worried out of his mind. Salem couldn't sit there and stew, he had patients to look after, and while they had an emergency evacuation procedure, it was hard to pull off when they had this many young children. Any available nurse from the other departments rushed in to help, and honestly, it was the only reason why they were able to manage.

Then he sat there, near his most delicate patient, his eyes on the child—but his mind on a dragon.

In this moment, where everything was uncertain, when he couldn't turn and seek Gregori out for reassurance, it was easier to define his feelings. Easier to see the shape of them. Salem had suspected it all before but had deliberately not looked too close, a little afraid of what he'd find.

But now? When he had nothing to do but worry? It was too obvious to ignore.

The worry felt as deep as a knife, sinking in right through his heart. The need to hold Gregori, to reassure them both he was fine, went just as deep. At some point, his heart had taken Gregori fully in. Even Salem wasn't sure how or when it'd happened, only that Gregori was incredibly precious to him.

Shit, what timing for a realization. When Salem couldn't even do anything about it.

It felt like an eternity went by before they got the all clear. Salem didn't know precisely if Gregori was all right, but he tried to take no news as good news. The building hadn't collapsed, there was no sign the bomb had gone off, so odds were very good his dragon was fine.

Salem repeated the mantra a few times as his heart still felt wrung out from the stress.

They were a touch slower putting everyone back into their rooms. People were half worn out already from the mad rush; there was no need to push themselves to make some arbitrary speed record. Once everyone was settled back in, Salem took a second to text Gregori.

Ok ?

The response was quick.

Ok. Bomb defused. I'm in one piece.

Only then did Salem feel like he could breathe. He put a hand over his heart, breathing out slowly, before answering.

I'm relieved to hear it. Meet you at home ?

Ok.

He read through the conversation again and frowned. Something was off. Normally, if Salem texted him, Gregori would call back. It was one of those annoying-cute habits of his. He preferred phone calls over texts. And if he really had defused the bomb already, why hadn't he come back to Salem? So much of this felt out of character.

Salem's gut said something was very wrong here. His head was inclined to agree.

His office door opened and Alexis popped in.

"Hey, how's Gregori?"

"He texted saying the bomb's defused, and he's fine."

"Uh-huh…and you've got your frowny face on, why?"

"It's…out of character for him to text back."

"Awww, look at you," Alexis cooed. "Actually knowing your boyfriend and shit."

He just wearily looked at her. Must she? No, this was Alexis, so she must.

She caught his look and cackled. "I came in to tell you surgeries are likely canceled for today. They want to do a thorough sweep of the hospital before they resume anything. Emergency surgeries only."

"Ahh. Not surprised."

"But now that I'm here…have you talked with him yet?"

"Alexis." He sighed, already resigned to having this conversation although he'd really prefer to skip it. Really.

"Oh my god, you haven't!" Alexis rocked onto one hip, eyes rolling off into the sunset. "Why do I try? Why? You've got the emotional maturity of a three-year-old in terms of romance."

"Harsh. True, but harsh."

"At least you can admit it, though, which is progress. Whhhhhhhy haven't you told this amazing man who spoils you that you at least like him?"

Well. For one, like was too shallow of an emotion for what he felt. Salem thought about saying so, then decided, what the hell. When did he have secrets from her, anyway? "It's not accurate. I…think I may be in love with him?"

Alexis stared at him for a long second, jaw dropping, then stumbled despite the fact she was standing still.

"Trust me, I know, I never imagined I'd say those words out loud either. Especially not after…y'know."

"Jerkface? Oh, trust me, I know who you're talking about. But stay on topic here. Seriously ?!"

Salem scrubbed a hand over his jaw, feeling heat rise to his cheeks, and for god's sake, he'd blushed more since meeting Gregori than he had collectively in his entire life.

Alexis promptly whipped out her phone and snapped a picture.

"What the hell are you taking a picture for?"

"You are seriously cute right now and Gregori will thank me for this later." She kept her phone in hand but plopped herself onto his desk, putting them more on eye level. "Salem. I know precisely how hard that was for you to admit, but please, please tell me you've said it to Gregori?"

"I, uh…no."

"Yeah, of course you haven't." She sighed, already resigned. "Color me not surprised. Honey, please, go tell that gorgeous man."

"I'm…can I give this just a bit more time first?"

"Why the hell would you give this more time?"

"Well, for one, every relationship I've had didn't last more than three months?"

She opened her mouth, grimaced, and closed it again.

"See?"

"I do see, yeah, but I don't think Gregori is like any of those other men."

"I agree with you, but can't I ride this out for a bit longer? We've hit a really good equilibrium and I'm scared about screwing it up. Just. If we can hit the three-month anniversary and still be solid with each other, I'll feel a lot more comfortable telling him."

Alexis searched his eyes. "Honestly? I'm of two minds. 'Cause this feels like trauma making a decision for you."

Salem winced, as that felt a little too close to home.

"But on the other hand, you finally admitted you do love him, which is amazing , and I honestly never thought I'd see the day. If dating for a while longer will help settle those doubts, then I won't argue."

"You do see my point, then?"

"I see you need a bit more time to wrap your head around what your heart is telling you, yes."

Close enough in Salem's book.

A notification went off on both of their phones. They checked it immediately, the habit automatic. The notification stated all nonemergency surgeries were canceled for the day and would be rescheduled. Salem didn't mind in the slightest. His nerves had had quite enough excitement for the day.

With that, he stood up. "I'm pulling rank and going home. Gregori deserves some spoiling."

"That's the spirit!" Alexis bounced off the desk. "Meanwhile, I have a ton of errands I haven't had a chance to do. I'm taking advantage. Keep me posted, use protection, don't get pregnant, okay?"

"Hardy har har, you're hysterical."

"I do try."

He texted Gregori as he gathered up his coat and briefcase, telling him he was free from anything today and suggesting they go home. He got a thumbs-up in return.

This was seriously weird. Gregori was very effusive in his communication, so this minimalist effort didn't feel right at all.

He met Gregori at the side entrance, where he'd parked, and one look at Gregori told its own story. The man appeared exhausted, there was a high color to his cheeks, and he was clearly not feeling well.

Shit.

Salem crossed to him quickly, putting a hand to Gregori's forehead with a frown. "You're burning up. Gregori, you should have told me you weren't feeling good."

"Came on suddenly," Gregori said, then turned his head to cough. "I wasn't feeling this bad this morning."

"And you defused a bomb in this condition? You crazy person. All right, home we go."

"Twist my arm," Gregori joked with a strained and tired half smile.

Salem seriously did not like seeing him in such a poor state. Perhaps the silver lining to the bomb was being able to take Gregori home and look after him. He had plenty of medication at home, although he'd have to order in food later.

He bundled Gregori into the car. At this time of the day, traffic wasn't horrific, so he was able to get them home without too much trouble. Gregori shuffled more than walked as they went up, his usual grace and energy just gone.

Gregori insisted on a shower, which was probably a good idea, considering everything. Salem shoved him in, pulling out a fever reducer and something for his cough. The second Gregori was out again, he dried the man's long hair, as wet hair in winter wouldn't help this situation get any better. Then he did an exam, but aside from the fever and cough, he couldn't find anything to put his finger on. It was more a general malaise. Perhaps a cold?

"Cuddles?" Gregori requested plaintively.

Salem didn't have the heart to argue when the man clearly felt terrible. "Sure."

Gregori blinked at him. "Really?"

"Yup. In bed you go."

There was his pretty smile. Gregori still shuffled, but he was very eager to get into the bed. The second Salem slid in next to him, Gregori curled up around him, arm over his waist, happy as a clam.

It took exactly two minutes and then he was out like a light.

Salem smoothed back hair from Gregori's forehead, frowning down at him. He really didn't like seeing his man sick like this. Unfortunately, there wasn't much he could do about it.

Those magic lessons in medicine definitely needed to happen sooner rather than later.