Page 128 of Aine

Damien huffs before rolling on top of me, his heavy body pushing mine into the mattress and practically suffocating me. I laugh and shove at his chest, glad I didn’t harm him too much when I accidentally kneed him in the balls while adjusting in my sleep.

“If you want to have children with me someday, I’d recommend keeping your bony limbs away from my manhood,” he complains in my ear.

I snort, rolling my eyes as he wraps his arms around my body and spins so I’m sprawled across his chest. He refuses to release me despite my struggles, instead tightening his grip until all I can do is flail my arms.

“Let me go!” I order, enjoying his playful attitude this morning.

He’s been nothing but smiles and jokes since we finally had sex yesterday, his contentment mixing with my own even when I made him disinfect the entire pantry.

Damien grunts before loosening his arms just enough for me to slide off his chest and settle at his side. Our legs intertwine as I rest my hand on his belly and my head on his shoulder.

“Are you sore?” he asks.

I shrug, my cheeks warming at his nosy questions. I wasn’t entirely surprised to see it, but Damien was panicked by my light spotting after we had sex. No amount of assurances on my end seemed to settle him, his anxiety coursing through me the moment he noticed the blood.

He even went as far as to curse me for asking him to take me so abruptly, claiming to be disappointed with himself for hurting me. I let him put ointment on the area in an attempt to settle his beast, but it’s still clearly annoyed.

At some point, he seemed to sense my anger about the subject and dropped it, but I should’ve known better than to think he wouldn’t bring it up again. Admittedly, I almost like that it hurts, the pain serving as a reminder that I had him inside me.

I just wish Damien felt the same way.

“I’m fine. It’s been a long time since I’ve had sex, and you aren’t exactly small. I was fully expecting to see a bit of blood,” I swear for what feels like the thousandth time. “You didn’t hurt me. I enjoyed every second of what occurred between us.”

Damien ignores my words, shoving his hand between my thighs so he can prod at me himself. His chubby fingers force their way between my legs and softly caress my swollen entrance.

I groan, squeezing my thighs around his hand before pushing him away. “Stop that.”

Damien clenches his jaw, hesitating, before pulling his hand back to his chest. “You can’t demand I stop caring for your health.”

“I’m not asking you to stop caring for my health. I’m asking you to stop prodding at my sore vagina.” I push his wandering hands away once more.

Damien’s annoyance barrels into me, but I refuse to give in. Me sharing my body with him doesn’t mean he has permission to touch me when I don’t want it. I imagine I’ll be more comfortable around him in the future, but I’m not there yet.

I stare at the ceiling, pretending not to notice Damien’s watchful gaze. His stare feels heavy on my skin, weighing me down and forcing my body still.

My lips are determined to frown as I think about our day, but I force myself to keep a calm expression as my thoughts and worries tumble together. How long does Damien plan to avoid work in lieu of taking care of me?

He promises the pack understands and supports his absence, but with each passing day, my guilt grows. I’d be a fool not to see that Damien misses work. His eyes light up every time Alex comes around, and he’s all too excited to step outside and be briefed on what’s been happening.

He may love me, but he loves his job too.

“You’re burnt,” Damien observes.

My nose crinkles as I tilt my head to look, the sunburn stinging when he pokes it. Damien smiles, running his finger between my eyebrows and down the bridge of my nose to smooth the wrinkles.

“I’ll have Avia give you some of my blood after breakfast. I forget how quickly you go through it when we’re outside. Then we can finish working on our puzzle.”

“Actually,” I say, clearing my throat before continuing. It’s now or never. “I was thinking you might like to go to work today.”

Damien’s face shows nothing, but the bond screams shock. He remains silent as he takes in my words, his emotions filtering through an intense mixture of worry, stress, and relief. I try not to be offended at the relief, reminding myself that I’d feel the same way if I were in his position.

My body shifts as he sits up and leans against the headboard. Following his adjustment, I lift myself into a sitting position near his waist.

“What makes you say that?” he asks.

I shrug, not quite sure how to put my feelings into words.

“I’ve kept you away from it for too long.”

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