“I just…I don’t feel well all of a sudden.” Her stomach lurched, and she pressed a hand over it. “Ohhhh.”
“Do you need a basin?” Zayid jumped up. “I’ll get something—”
“No.” Madeline lurched to her feet. She was not throwing up in a bowl in front of Zayid. “No, it’s fine, I—” She clapped a hand over her mouth as the gorge rose in her throat, and rushed into the bathroom. She barely managed to brace herself against the floor before she vomited, and tears sprang to her eyes as the stomach acid burned her nose and throat. Sputtering and choking, her stomach heaved up the remnants of her lunch and dinner until she was gasping and empty and trembling.
“Come.” Zayid was suddenly at her side, helping her to her feet. A wave of embarrassment washed through her at the fact that he’d seen her like this, but she was so weak that she was powerless to resist him as he helped her toward the sink. The tiny bathroom left no room for personal space, forcing her body against his, but she was too ill to feel any desire now. With his steadying hands on her hips, she washed out her mouth, then splashed some water across her face.
“What do you think happened?” Zayid asked as he helped her out of the bathroom. “Was it something you ate?”
Madeline shrugged. “I’m not sure. Maybe the tea was bad…but probably the stress of today just caught up with me.” She sat down on the edge of her bed. “I think I should call it a day now.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea.” Zayid pressed a kiss to her forehead, then crouched down so that his head was level with her knees. “Let’s get you to bed.”
A small smile tugged at her lips as Zayid pulled off her shoes. “You don’t need to tuck me in,” she said, half protesting, but she didn’t really mind.
“Maybe, but I want to.” He smiled at her as he gently pushed her back down onto the bed, pulling the covers up over her body. “I’ll lock the door behind me when I go. Let me know if you need anything tomorrow, okay?”
“Thank you.” Warmth spread through her as he kissed the top of her head again. Closing her eyes, she decided to succumb to the tiredness dragging at her limbs, and the last thing she heard was the door clicking shut before she fell asleep.
Chapter Nine
Madeline hummed as she walked into her office at around noon, preparing to grab her purse so she could go out and get a quick lunch. After going to bed so early the morning before, she felt quite refreshed, and though she’d been a little embarrassed that she’d nearly gotten sick all over Zayid while kissing him, the embarrassment was overshadowed by pride when Aisha had congratulated her so heartily for doing an impressive job with the interview. She’d promised Madeline a nice bonus, not only for doing the interview but for getting Zayid involved, and that especially boosted her spirits. Maybe she could afford a little touristy shopping spree after all this weekend.
Just as she picked up her purse, her phone vibrated in her pocket. Pulling it out, her heart flip-flopped as she saw Zayid’s name scrolling across her screen. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself, then answered the phone.
“Hello?”
“Good afternoon.” Warmth rippled down Madeline’s spine at the sound of his smooth, exotic voice. “How are you feeling today?”
“Much better.” Embarrassment made her blush, and she was glad that he’d chosen to call rather than stop by to check on her in person. “I’m really sorry you had to see that yesterday. I don’t know what happened.”
“That’s totally alright,” he assured her. “I’m just glad you’re feeling better today.”
“Well thanks for being there.” Madeline hesitated. “Both at the TV station and at my apartment last night. You’ve been a big help.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” She smiled at Zayid’s pleased tone. “What do you think about coming out with me for a drink tonight? I
C. J. Cherryh
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