Chapter 28 : Rude Awakening

*Ember*

"Kieran," I said, putting my book down while Kieran headed over to me and sat on the end of the lounge chair next to me. I observed him wondering why his shoulders seemed tense and his body was rigid as he sat down. Maybe he didn't sleep well. I couldn't help but reach out to grasp his arm empathizing with him since I too had been struggling to sleep lately.

"Ember," he said, sucking in a deep breath as my skin touched his. Did he not like it when I touched him? I had only just gotten used to the fact that I could touch him without hurting him. It would be discouraging if he didn't want me to touch him.

Interrupting my thoughts, Kieran continued with a question as he looked deep into my eyes, "How are you?"

"Good. How are you? You don't look too good," I asked looking at him. He looked like he was going to throw up, perhaps he had been pushing himself too much lately.

He gritted his teeth and gave me a tense smile. "What are you reading?"

I sighed knowing he was ign