Page 16 of Between Realms

“It’s my fault. I didn’t think looking at a pendant would almost kill me.” I shrug and then regret the movement when my fresh scars pinches. “As far as mymortalfrailties, I know a bit about that. When I was growing up, I had a concussion once when a wood crate fell on my head. Merlara says humans need rest and monitoring to make sure the symptoms don’t get worse.”

Oakes nods with understanding. “So similar to elves. Do you feel dizzy or nauseous?”

“No.”

Oakes hums approval. “Good response time and no slurred speech. I believe you will be alright, but I need you to tell me if you notice any symptoms. Will you do that?”

“Yes.”

His deft fingers trace my cheekbones, and my face tingles where the cuts on my cheek are. I feel them seal up and then his fingers trail over the closed wound. His eyes stare intently at my mouth, and his thumb brushes over my bottom lip.

Was I injured there? The warm pad of his thumb on my sensitive flesh excites me more than it should. Then his hands slip down over my throat and I somehow resist squirming.

“Do I have bruises there?”

“Hmm?” Oakes eyes snap up to mine. “Yes, some. I hate seeing you hurt.”

My whole body is coming alive to vibrate with an energy that I know is caused by my interest in him. I must stop it before I make a fool of myself. “You don’t have to waste your magic on minor things.”

“I need us to keep physical contact so that my magic will continue to mend you, especially your insides. It means that I will need to sleep with you.”

I gasp, and my eyebrows shoot up. “Sleep with me?”

Oakes chuckles. “Yousleptwith me last night.”

“But… but you were across the room.” I pull away, tightening my arms over my chest. “You weren’t touching me… and I wasn’tundressed!”

“I will do nothing more than hold and heal you. I touched you more intimately when I was washing off the blood than I will when I sleep next to you.” Oakes frowns, as if I’m being absurd in my protest. “Do you think I would take advantage of your ill health?”

“It’s just… I… we…” I blush and then whisper, “No. Of course, I don’t think you would dothat.” He couldn’t possibly want to have sex with a human.

“Well then, unless you have any more objections to my offer to heal you, we could both use some rest.”

I nod, realizing how silly I sound, objecting to his obviously non-sexual contact. Oakes plans on healing me, nothing more. He is only doing this because he feels guilty after he promised to keep me safe.

Oakes removes his blood-stained shirt and uses the wet cloth to wash some of my dried blood off his beautiful body.

As much as I try, I can’t wrench my gaze away from the hypnotizing sight of his ripping muscles on full display. Somehow, I manage to keep my mouth shut instead of letting it hang open in awe. Never has a male’s body enticed me like this before, but he is a beautiful example of Elven physique—half-naked, right in front of me.

My nerves get the best of me when I imagine him pressed against my exposed skin for hours.

Then he crawls into the bed with only his pants on and reaches out for me.

It’s all too much for me to handle. I never had to squash my desires like this before. Where am I supposed to put my hands? Is it ridiculous to ask?

He settles his head on the pillow

My breathing quickens as he pulls me into his embrace, which feels more like a lover’s.

My voice cracks. “What are you doing?”

“I’m taking care of you.” Oakes brings my body to lie over his chest, so the healing cuts on my stomach make contact with his skin. He rests my wounded cheek on his upper torso. Then he pulls the blanket over to cover us both. His electric healing touch now streams throughout my body as he holds me close. “Relax, let me in.”

I shiver at his words. Why do they sound so potent?

His hand cradles my face to his broad, muscular chest. The other rests over my waist.

For my injuries, I remind myself.

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