I’m fine, Summer. Don’t worry about it, he mentally muttered, rubbing at his eyes with one hand. He turned to look out his window, avoiding eye contact with Summer. It would be easier—too easy—to let his guard down in front of her since she knew about his secret.
“YOU CAN’T LIE TO ME!” she exploded, slamming her hands down on the bed. Okay, maybe that was an overreaction, but it was severely irritating for him to say ‘I’m fine’ to /her/, of all people. “You don’t /want/ to talk about it, say that, but don’t you fucking /lie/ to me.”
Merlin responded with a heated glare before turning his head away, closing his eyes, and forcing himself to breathe deeply. He was NOT in the mood to be yelled at. Part of him wanted to talk about it, but a larger part reasoned that it would be pointless. Discussing it wouldn’t fix the problem or make it easier to live with.
Sorry, he replied grudgingly and with only partial sincerity. I’ll be sure not to do it again.
“Good.” She nodded sharply. “Seriously, Merlin, I can feel you on the other side of town. Tell me what’s going on.” She patted the bed. “Come on.”