Page 97 of The Hermit

Cassia steps around her father, not sparing him a glance, and asks, “Is there a restroom where I can freshen up?”

“Through that door over there.” Santiago points to the other side of the large foyer.

When we step out onto the veranda, there are five women in the pool. Santiago claps his hands twice, and it has the women scurrying out of the water before quickly disappearing into the mansion.

“Five, Santiago?” Leo asks. “I can barely manage one.”

“They belong to my men. I’m saving myself for my one true love.”

Everyone chuckles, quickly getting used to the way Santiago speaks.

Just as Dominik sinks down on a lounge chair, a man hurries out onto the veranda.

“Antonio, thank you for rushing over.” Santiago gestures at Dominik. “Check my friend.”

Antonio walks to us while asking Santiago, “Are you okay? I should check you, too.”

“Later.”

When the man, who I presume is the doctor, tries to reach for Dominik’s head, Dominik swats his hand away, giving him a dark glare.

“Dominik,” I snap. “You will sit still and let the doctor do his work.” I place my hand on his shoulder. “Please. For me.”

“Fine,” he grumbles, giving Dr. Antonio a nod.

While Dominik’s head and side are inspected, I can feel how tense he is and keep my hand on his shoulder.

“I just need to clean the wound on your side and the gash on your head. Without the right medical equipment, I can’t tell the extent of your injuries. You will definitely have a concussion from the blow to your head.”

“Just clean the wounds and get it over with,” Dominik growls.

The poor doctor quickly gets to work. By the time he finishes sticking an adhesive dressing over the wound on Dominik’sside, my husband looks like he’s a second away from murdering someone.

“Santiago, is there a bedroom we can use for Dominik to get some rest?”

“Of course. Follow me.”

Dominik climbs to his feet, and I quickly glance at the doctor. “Thank you so much. We appreciate your help.”

We follow Santiago into the house and down a hallway. When he opens the door, I practically shove Dominik inside and give our host a grateful smile.

I shut the door behind me before hurrying to my hermit, who’s clearly reached his limit.

Wrapping my arms around him, I say, “Deep breaths.”

He locks me in a tight embrace to his chest, letting out a harsh breath.

“It’s just us. Shhh…” I try to calm him down by pressing kisses to his neck.

It takes a while before I feel his muscles relax. I pull away and say, “Lie down for a little while.”

He shakes his head, but at least he takes a seat on the edge of the bed.

I sit down beside him and stare at the colorful rug on the floor.

Dominik takes hold of my hand, and linking our fingers, he says, “Thanks,moja láska. I was a second away from killing the doctor.”

“I know,” I whisper as I lean my head on his shoulder.

---