Page 153 of Billion Dollar Mistake

Do I care what other people think? Not at all.

No one has almost lost the love of their life. Because if they did, they’d understand where I’m coming from.

“Are you ready for a shower?”

I’d ask her if she wanted a bath, but from the amount of times I’ve seen her yawn or rub her eyes, I’d say she needs to go to bed soon.

“Yeah.”

She doesn’t fight me on it, or give me any sass, which lets me know she’s going to need help.

“Stay here. I’ll get the shower started. Let it warm up before you get in.”

She nods. “Good idea.”

I set up the shower, and when I return, her eyes are closed. My footsteps have her eyelashes fluttering open.

“How are you feeling?”

“Tired,” she mumbles.

I love how she doesn’t lie. I’d see right through it anyway.

“But are you sore?” I ask, wondering if a shower is a good idea.

“Tender but I’ll have a quick shower before I take the pain meds.”

“You knew I was going to ask if you wanted the meds, didn’t you?”

“I did.” The side of her mouth lifts.

She slowly steps into the bathroom and goes to grab her hairbrush, but I grab it first. I run the brush through her hair, and when it’s smooth, I tie her hair up. She moans seductively while I am doing it.

When she undresses, I suck in a breath. My beautiful girl is bruised.

“It doesn’t hurt,” Nova says when she notices me staring at her hips.

The purple, blue, and yellow staining is killing me inside. And then there’s the stitches on her lower stomach.

If I didn’t already feel guilty, this just made me beat myself up all over again.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, drawing closer to hold her cheeks in my hands.

“Stop. I forgive you. Don’t look at my injuries as a bad reminder, use them as a good one.”

Her words sink in.

“Remind me how lucky I am to have you in my life.”

She nods. “We have a second chance. Let’s not waste it.”

“I won't. I promise that until you take your last breath that I am yours. I’m committed to you forever while you’re on this earth.”

“I love you, Remy.”

“I love you, Nova. Never forget.”

I kiss her, but I'm able to stop.

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