Page 67 of The Dirty Saint

During

EZRA

It is so cold in this cell. I don’t think I ever realized just how cold it is.

And I am for sure losing my mind. Look, I don’t know how long I’ve been gone, but it’s been long enough and I’ve had it.

“Let me tell you,” I hiss. “When I get out of these chains, I am going to rip your head from your body and feed it to the wolves for their next fucking meal!”

“Good to know.”

“Yup,” I pop the P. “Better learn to square the fuck up.”

“Duly noted.”

I whip my head around to see Joey staring at me. My eyes light up at the mere sight of him.

Sweat is pouring off his forehead, dripping onto his tight, fitted t-shirt. Each outline of his muscles is on full display.

“What are you doing here,” I ask.

Joey grins. “What? A guy can’t show up to see the woman he cares about?”

I let my gaze travel to his bruised knuckles and split lip. “Nice try there,” I smile. “Now get over here. I need to take a look at that hand of yours.”

Joey fishes his hand back into his pocket. “I’m fine.”

“You really wanna argue with me,” I arch a brow. “I didn’t think so. Smart choice.”

“How did you manage to do such a thing,” I ask as I gently run my fingertips across his skin.

He shrugs.

“Ow—shit,” he winces. “That fucking hurts.”

“Oh, I’m sure it does. That’s what happens when you hit someone.”

Joey rolls his eyes.“Thanks, Rocky.”

I shoot him a look before pressing my finger against the cut forming on his mouth.

“So what happened—”

“It’s nothing, Ezra,” he cuts me off. “I told you that I was fine. There’s no need to—”

“No need to what? Worry? You think you’re the only one allowed to be worried?”

“Ezra—”

I remove his hand from my lap and place it on my beating heart. I hold it there, refusing to let go.

“You feel that? That’s concern,” I say. “You came in here with fighter hands, and I want to know why. And don’t you dare ‘pretty girl’ me.”

I grab my water bottle, waiting for Joey to say something before quickly unscrewing the cap and softly pouring the cold water onto his hand.

“What are you doing,” he asks.

“I’m making sure your wounds don’t get infected.”

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