Page 141 of Heart of The Night

‘Well done, love,’ William said, leaning back with a genuine smile.

Jason shook his head. ‘I’ll get you in the rematch.’

Olivia laughed, ‘We’ll see about that.’

I noticed William’s eyes starting to droop, his energy waning despite his best efforts to stay engaged. I glanced at Jason, who caught my eye and gave a subtle nod. It was time to call it a night.

‘Well, I think that’s our cue,’ Jason said, stretching as he stood up. ‘I’ve had enough of losing for one night.’

Olivia snorted, but there was a softness in her eyes when she looked at William. ‘Thanks for having us, Will. I hope you get a good night’s rest.’

‘Thanks,’ William replied, his voice a bit quieter now.

After quick goodbyes and a few more light-hearted jabs, Jason and Olivia headed out, leaving the room feeling quieter, almost too quiet.

I turned to William, who was still on the sofa, his expression softer, more vulnerable. ‘You look knackered,’ I said gently. ‘Does sleep sound good?’

He hesitated, his eyes flickering with that same unspoken dread I’d seen before, but then he nodded. ‘Yeah.’

I offered him my hand, and he took it, letting me help him up. As we walked together toward his bedroom, I could feel the weight of his exhaustion, both physical and emotional.

Once there, I helped him undress and then joined him in the shower. The water cascaded over us, seeming to ease some of the tension from his muscles, but I could see the strain it took for him to remain upright. I gently lathered soap onto his skin, my hands careful around the tender areas, especially the scar on his bicep that still looked raw and angry.

My heart ached as I traced the closed wound with my fingertips, the memory of that night flashing through my mind. The sight of him like this – vulnerable, yet so strong – made my chest tighten with sorrow and fierce protectiveness. I wanted to take away all his pain, to heal him completely, but I knew it wasn’t that simple.

After we finished, I wrapped a towel around him, pressing a tender kiss to his shoulder. He looked at me, his eyes soft, a silent gratitude passing between us as I guided him to the basin. I watched as he slowly brushed his teeth, struggling slightly with the movement. Once he was done, I led him out of the en-suite with a gentle hand on his back.

‘Let’s get you comfortable,’ I murmured as we reached his bed, helping him settle in. He winced slightly as he adjusted his arms.

‘You sure you’re all right?’ I asked and brushed a strand of hair from his forehead.

He looked up at me, his eyes tired but grateful. ‘Yes. Thanks, darling.’

I leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on his temple. ‘Good.’

As I pulled back, his gaze lingered on my bare form. ‘Keep still for a moment, please,’ he said, his eyes appreciatively tracing my contours. ‘You should enjoy your break, you know. Once I’m back to full strength, I’ll be making up for lost time.’

‘Oh my God …’

‘Oh, your God, indeed.’ He smirked. ‘I demand a no-clothes policy while you’re living here.’

‘In your dreams, Will.’ Grinning, I shook my head as I walked around the bed and climbed in beside him.

‘Actually, I take that back,’ he murmured after a pause. ‘Since we can’t have sex at the moment, I shouldn’t torture myself like that. Terrible idea.’

‘Duly noted. Behave, or I shall torment you.’

‘Fuck.’

‘That’s right.’ I nestled closer, breathing in his intoxicating scent, letting it fill my senses. ‘Time to sleep, darling.’

As if the endearment had reminded him, he said incredulously, ‘You called me Oedipus in the beginning.’

I burst out laughing, amused by the direction his thoughts had taken.

‘And I called you Sandra,’ he went on.

I laughed even harder, the memory still as funny as ever. ‘That was priceless. You kept calling me Sandra while we had sex the first time. Talk about role-play.’

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