Free Redeeming Kyle: 69 Bottles #3 by Zoey Derrick

to, you know Talon, he’s being overprotective of you already.” I roll my eyes. “My sentiments exactly. He wanted to talk to Tori, but I convinced him that she’s your bodyguard, and you need to talk to her.”  
    I give him a thank you smile as I step into the bathroom.  

    When I come out, Kyle is still there. On the bed are my grey pajama pants that are wide legged and my favorite because they’re flannel and so comfortable. With it is one of my camisoles and I shudder. “I thought this might be easier than a t-shirt,” he says. He’s being so sweet. “Though I brought one of those too. One of my super soft ones.” I touch the material and it’s really soft, almost the same softness as my flannel pants, but the size will force it to rub against my nipples and I don’t feel like putting on a bra. I pull the cami over my head and the brushing sends little stabs of achy twinges through me. It’s not painful, just uncomfortable. Once it’s in place and I move around, there is next to no rubbing.  
    I smile at him. “It works.” Then I pick up his soft grey t-shirt and pull that on.  
    “I like you in just the tank top better,” he grumbles as he wraps his arms around me. “You feel like a soft panda bear.” He smiles and kisses my forehead. “Come on, hungry girl, let’s go eat.”  
    When we come around the corner in the sitting room, Talon and Mills are deep in conversation but Mills looks up and smiles widely at me. Talon turns toward me. “You okay, angel?”  
    “I’m good. Hungry.” He laughs and I sit down. Kyle joins me. Mills and Talon go back to their conversation, and I look at Kyle as I take a sip of my soup. It’s heaven. “We need to get a ten gallon drum of this stuff,” I say and take another bite.  
    He laughs. “I’m making a mental note. Get the girl chicken noodle soup and lots of it.”  
    “Sounds great to me.” I dive into my soup with gusto, not wanting it to be gone, but desperate to fill up my stomach. Then I move on to the grilled cheese and about half of my french fries, which Kyle promptly eats the rest of.  
    “How are you feeling?” he asks as I finish up my lunch.  
    I give him a half laugh. “Tired again.”  
    “Is this normal? You’re sleeping a lot,” he says with concern.  
    “I think so, from what research I did yesterday it’s one of the primary symptoms. My problem is I keep giving into it and falling asleep. I need to keep busy, keep myself awake. Work through it kind of thing.”  
    “But it’s good to give into it, right?”  
    I smile. “It is, but it’s affecting my eating pattern, as well as my ability to work. I think the next couple of weeks or so will be rough, but once we get to New York, with the crazy schedule, it will be easier.”  
    “I just wish I knew how to help. I feel like you’re doing this alone.”  
    I look up at him with tears threatening. “I’m not doing this alone. I have you and I have Talon. You’re taking care of me, feeding me, loving me. I’m not doing this alone,” I tell him and bring my hand to his cheek. “Please don’t fret, or feel like I’m alone. I’m not. It may be my body, but what you and Talon are doing makes it all that much easier for me. Just don’t treat me like a useless baby, because I’m not. I will not break, physically at least. Emotionally I’m a damn mess. I haven’t cried this much in my entire life,” I say as a tear escapes my eye. “Look, if you want to better understand what I’m going through, read that book with me. I think it will help you understand. Talon on the other hand just wants to protect me from all the physical dangers.” I look over at him and Mills before looking back to Kyle. “You want to protect me from myself. So read it with me.”  
    “Okay, panda. I will.” He smiles, leans over and goes to kiss me on my cheek. I turn at the last minute, landing my lips on his and he groans. “We don’t have time,” he grumbles.