Chapter 280: It Should Have Been Her
"You—" Eli pushed his chair back, nearly tripping over the leg of it. "I have to—there are supplies to check. And patients—somewhere."
"You’re running away," Riven sing-songed as Eli shot to his feet.
"I am not," Eli lied, but his face was so red he looked feverish.
Riven drummed his fingers on the table. "Just tell me. I won’t tease you—"
"That’s the biggest lie you’ve ever told!" Eli blurted, voice cracking.
Riven tried to grab his wrist as he passed, but Eli danced out of reach.
"I have work!" Eli declared, almost squeaking. And before Riven could say another word, he turned and fled out the door, the ends of his hair swishing in his haste.
Riven stared after him, a wicked grin spreading over his face.
Did Eli like him back?
Eli practically stumbled out of Riven’s room, shutting the door with more force than he meant to. He pressed his back to it, hands over his face, willing the heat in his cheeks to subside.
Gods, what was wrong with him? He was twenty-years-old! A respected healer, a sensible man—and here he was, running away like some blushing school boy.
He drew in a slow, ragged breath. His heart was still hammering, and his mind was still replaying Riven’s teasing questions ringing in his ears.