Page 80 of Captivating Anika

“Let Sumo check you out, Mom,” Bodhi suggests. “So we can be sure.”

The fact she doesn’t argue with him is further evidence she’s not fine.

When Cheddar walks in with the kit, we all retreat to the kitchen to give Nira a bit of privacy and Sumo a chance to examine her. Anika is not too happy about leaving her mother and needs a little encouragement.

“You can keep an eye on her from here,” I assure her, before lowering my voice. “I think that incident was harder on her than she’ll have us believe. The fear of seeing you in danger, and the adrenaline it took to take that guy out, I think it’s all hitting her now.”

Half an hour later, I watch Anika and her mom hug it out by the front door. Nira was feeling a little better, after what was probably a panic attack brought on by adrenaline letdown. Bodhi is taking her home and is sticking around until Chuck gets there, and we assured her we’d drop her car off in the morning.

I tuck Anika under my arm as we watch them walk toward Bodhi’s Jimmy. The other three guys left a few minutes ago, armed with leftovers Nira insisted they take with them. There’s still enough for several meals for the two of us.

When they drive off, I turn Anika inside.

“Why don’t we pack this up and take it over to your place?” I suggest.

“Okay. I may need another lengthy bath after today though.”

I cup her face in my hands and kiss her thoroughly.

“After today, I may need one with you.”

Anika

I lean my head back and close my eyes.

The scent of lavender is soothing and the water is warm, but what is turning my muscles to Jell-O are the gentle hands of the man behind me.

It’s a tight fit, two in this tub, but I don’t mind. Neither does Hog, judging from the hard length of him pressing against the small of my back.

“I’m going to fall asleep,” I warn him.

“That’s fine,” he rumbles.

“But I don’t want to fall asleep yet.”

What I really don’t want is to wake up from yet another nightmare in the wee hours of the morning. Given this past week of poor sleep, there’s a good chance of that.

Hog’s arms tighten around me. I’m sure he gets it, he’s been up every night, trying to calm me and coax me back to sleep.

“I can help you with that,” he mutters, kissing my shoulder.

Then he reaches a hand between my legs and runs a finger along my crease.

“You know that’ll only last until I come, because I’ll pass out right after.”

One long digit slides inside.

“You’re wet.”

“We’re in a bathtub,” I point out.

He nips the top of my shoulder with his teeth.

“Don’t be a smart-ass,” he scolds me, soothing his bite with a brush of his lips.

Then he slips two fingers inside, his thumb zooming in on my clit.

I hum my pleasure under my breath.

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