Page 47 of Reckless Vow

I giggle weakly. “What was I thinking?” I shiver.

“You need to change that sweaty T-shirt before you’re strong enough to shower.” He stands up and walks to my closet. I follow him with my heavy gaze.

You always look beautiful to me.Even in my poor state, the confession tugs at my heart.

“What is this?”

I blink to focus on his line of vision. My red strapless dress, with a slit down the entire length of the body-hugging skirt, hangs by the door.

“It’s the dress I didn’t get to wear tonight.”

“Thank God,” he mutters.

“You don’t like it?” I’d be offended if I wasn’t sick.

“If you think I would let you wear that to parade in front of other men, you’re wrong.”

I giggle. “Choosing my wardrobe for me now?”

He makes a sound deep in his throat like I’m a pain in his ass, but somehow this little display of possessiveness negates his brooding.

He returns with one of my T-shirts. I try to push to a sitting position but collapse back on to the bed. “I’ll change a bit later.”

“You can’t stay in your sweaty shirt. Let me help you.”

“No.”

Somehow the idea of him seeing me naked propels me to action and I sit up suddenly. My head swims and I gag.

“Christ.” The mattress dips and Baldo’s arms wrap around me. “Are you okay? I promise I won’t look.” He grabs the hem of my shirt.

“I’ll do it.” I try to find urgency in my weak state.

It’s not that I’m a prude, but I’m not ready to face certain things that would require explanation.

He stills for a moment, probably done with me and my weird reactions. “Okay, I’m letting go and turning around to give you privacy, but if you faint on me, I’ll be pissed.”

I didn’t even realize how heavily I was leaning on him. “That’s kind of hot.”

“You’re delirious.” He stands up and waits for a moment to see if I can sit by myself.

My brain swims, but only slightly.

When he sees I’m strong enough to sit, he turns around. “Hurry up.”

I switch the shirts and drop back onto my pillows, pulling the covers with me. “I’m decent.”

He nods, takes my glass and goes to the bathroom. “Mom had electrolyte powder. Let’s try to get some in you.”

He comes back holding the same glass, but the water in it is pink now and there is a straw in the drink. He helps me to take a few sips and puts the glass on the nightstand before returning to his spot at the foot of my bed, leaning against the brass footboard.

“Thank you,” I whisper.

“It’s okay. Let’s hope the worst is over.”

“Not just for this, but for staying in New York for me. Helping me with the inheritance nonsense.”

His lips curve up slightly. He puts his hand on my ankle again but doesn’t move it anymore.

---