Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,184

Also, I'm trying to survive. So, maybe you can have a little grace and hold me?" I asked.

Patrick grinned a little while licking his lips.

Huxley simply nodded and held his arms out for me, and I crawled in his lap. He instantly relaxed at my touch, and I was surprised at the relief I felt as tension left his body.

Patrick placed a hand on my thigh, and I laced my fingers through his. It was a light touch, one that reassured me of his presence, but still felt respectful of Huxley's space. Huxley eyed our entwined fingers for a moment before resuming his staring contest with the wall.

"How are you doing?" I asked Patrick. I knew Cyler said he needed words of reassurance, but I didn't know where to begin. Was he not feeling sure about me? About us? About our situation?

"I don't even know," he replied. From the corner of my eye I saw Hux's lip twitch. "I had to stand by and watch you suffer," he swallowed. "Then you passed out. Cavil was mad that we weren't staying in the ivory room, but none of us were interested in those Walker Companions. All we could think about was you."

I knew nothing happened; it was strange feeling so confident in something still so new, but even though it hurt to see the Walker women hanging all over them, I knew it was nothing compared to what we had.

"Then I was passed out, and by the time I woke up, Cavil arrived and Maverick took charge," I added.

"And here we are," Patrick ended. I leaned my head against Huxley's chest, listening to his heartbeat and allowing the cadence to ground me.

"I love you, Patrick. I never wanted to take you back to that place of feeling stuck in your circumstances. I avoided you because it kills me to know I put that sad, faraway look in your eyes," I admitted while my vision went glassy with unshed tears. I gripped his hand tighter.

Patrick swallowed deeply before responding. "You're really okay though, right? You'd tell us if you didn't feel well or if something wasn't right?"

"I promise. I'm sore, but I'll survive. I know you would have saved me if you could."

"I love you," he murmured before leaning back on the couch. While our hands remained entwined, he closed his eyes, as if he couldn't sleep until he felt resolution between us. And when light snores filled the lab, I pulled myself from his grip and stood, Huxley following after. He then adjusted his brother so that he was lying down on the couch, and covered him with a blanket. The act was so incredibly thoughtful and second-natured that I couldn't help but smile at the love and bond between them.

Huxley grabbed my hand and walked me upstairs, where Jacob was nowhere to be found. I frowned as my eyes scanned the place looking for him.

As if he knew exactly what I was looking for, Huxley answered my thoughts. "He went to town for something, but he'll be back." I nodded as Huxley pulled me towards Maverick's bed and laid down. I joined him, and rested my head on his chest.

"Patrick didn't sleep at all last night," Huxley said in a low voice, the sound like a low grumble in his chest, vibrating against my ear.

"And what about you?" I asked.

"I slept plenty, just didn't sleep well. "

I began stroking his chest as my eyes grew heavy. I wondered when I became so comfortable around Huxley.

"Ash?" he asked.

"Yeah?"

"I'm not good with words," he said, and I smiled.

"You don't say?" I bit the inside of my cheek as he squeezed my hips and laughed.

He let out a low chuckle before continuing. "Surprising—I know."

I took my leg and placed it over him. My oversized shirt that smelled like Cyler rose, and my thigh touched his stomach on the bare patch of skin between his shirt and pants. Huxley took his hand and rested it on my butt while shifting me so that I was more on top of him.

"I always say the wrong thing to Patrick. You get it right with him."

"I'm trying," I replied with a yawn. We didn't talk anymore. We both enjoyed the comfort of one another as he told me he loved me without saying a word.

Chapter Fourteen

I left Huxley sleeping on Maverick’s bed. He seemed so content and relaxed, I didn't have the heart to move him, but I also couldn't lie still much longer. I needed to