"You okay?" Nico asked, turning to look at her, concerned.
"I have a headache," Mara said quietly without her usual sharp edge. She kept her eyes shut as she continued. "A bad one. The adrenaline has worn off."
Nico didn't answer immediately, but the leather of the seat shifted as he moved closer to her side.
He reached out, pressing the back of his large, calloused hand against her forehead with surprising gentleness. His touch was cool on her flushed skin, a stark relief from the heat burning behind her eyes.
"You're warm," he murmured, frowning slightly. He slid his fingers down to her wrist, his thumb finding the rapid thrum of her pulse.
He counted the pulse in silence, watching her pale, tired face. He checked her over with quiet intensity of a man guarding his most valuable asset, making sure she wasn't about to collapse from the strain.
