Page 19 of Caged

It isn’t long before he brings back a weighty trauma kit.

“Are you a doctor?” I’m not supposed to know anything about him. “Or, maybe just injury prone?” Flashing him a smile doesn’t prompt any change in his expression.

I need to find someone for him to chop a head off of. He did have a cute grin doing that.

He sits on the coffee table and methodically begins pulling out supplies.

This guy is like a robot as he snaps on medical gloves.

“Hold out your arm.” His blue palm sticks out patiently.

I don’t even realize I hurt my arm until he begins to dab it with alcohol.

Shit, it stings badly enough it brings tears to my eyes.

That’s what I needed, a reminder.

“Thank you for helping me.” I let a tremor into my voice.

I should be crying. If this doesn’t work, Daniil will pay for it.

My chest aches thinking of it, lending the pain I need to make this more believable.

Nikolai’s lips tighten, but he doesn’t reply. He wraps my arm with a crisp, white bandage then gestures for me to lean over.

“Could use stitches,” he grumbles. “I can staple it if you wanted?”

Oddly, I trust his judgment.

“Um, sure? Will it sting?” I know it will, but have to keep up the charade.

He nods, then reaches into his bag for the small tool.

Tugging on the top of my hair, he moves a few strands and clicks twice in rapid succession.

Okay, it does bite a little, but he did it so fast, it barely registers.

I’m too busy paying attention to the span of his collarbones under his snug t-shirt. How the fabric hugs his defined pecs and abs.

Is it too early to try and seduce him?

I let my hand fall onto his muscular thigh while he inspects my wound.

My eyes settle on the bulge in his jeans.

Maybe I’m not quite ready for that big of a project.

EIGHT

NIKOLAI

“Done. There’s a bathroom at the end of the hall you can clean up in. I’ll get some clothes coming.” I shift my leg so she isn’t hanging on me anymore.

Her palm is both fire and ice on my thigh, so it’s best to back away.

From the moment I saw her, there was something in my chest that said I needed to help her.

But, now what?

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