Demitri’s moodiness has made me forget about my own problems because if I turn my back, he’s forcing himself to walk around.

I just get back from using the restroom when I catch Demitri on his feet again. “Oh my God. Sit your ass down!”

He shoots me a deadly glare as he moves back to the couch.

“Don’t give me that look. It doesn’t work on me anymore,” I say as I move closer, and lifting his shirt, I check the bandages. This morning one came loose because his stubborn ass wouldn’t listen to me. “If you don’t stop getting up, I’m going to have Alexei tie your ass down to this chair.”

Just then, Alexei comes into the living room with two plates of food. He must’ve heard my threat because he chuckles. “Say the word, and it’s done.”

“You’re taking her side?” Demitri mutters. “The sooner I’m back on my feet, the sooner these goddamn wounds will heal.”

“Not if your stitches rip loose,” I snap at him as I take the two plates of food from Alexei.

“Need me to hold him down while you feed him?” Alexei asks me.

I scowl at Demitri. “Do I?”

“Just give me the damn plate,” he grumbles. “Fucking ridiculous.”

Alexei chuckles again, then looks at me. “I have a meeting to attend, then I’ll take over watching him while you get some rest.”

“What?” Demitri growls, setting the plate of food aside and pushing himself back to his feet. “You’re not going anywhere without me.”

Luckily Damien comes into the living room, saying, “Carson and I are going with Alexei. Sit your ass down.”

Demitri hesitates, then sinks down on the couch again, sweat beading on his forehead from all the unnecessary strain he’s placing on his body.

Alexei pats Demitri’s shoulder. “Eat your food. I’ll be back in an hour.”

Clearly unhappy, Demitri watches as Alexei leaves the room with Damien.

Picking up his plate of food, I sit down next to him and scoop some mash and gravy onto the fork. When I lift the utensil to his mouth, he gives me a dark look. “I can feed myself.”

Stubborn jerk.

I hand him his food then watch as he takes a bite.

“Are you always this grumpy when you’re sick?” I ask as I grab my own plate of food.

“I’ve never been sick.”

I stare at Demitri, realizing he’s probably never had anyone take care of him. He’s the one taking care of everyone, and now he doesn’t know what to do with himself.

“Baby,” I say, and when he turns his head to me, I lift my hand and place it on his jaw, “You’ve done so much for me. Please, let me do this one thing for you. It makes me feel needed.”

He takes hold of my forearm and presses a kiss to the inside of my wrist, and then he nods.

“So no more biting my head off and giving me glares.”