Page 42 of Seen Knot Heard

Dominic boosts me a little higher in his arms, as if he plans to hold me until the bath fills.

“I’m okay to stand now,” I tell him.

He peers down at my shoes and shakes his head. “Those filthy shoes will ruin the carpet.”

“I barely wore them outside.” I glare at him. “Dominic Sterling, if you don’t set me on my own two feet this instant, I swear I will whack you with this cast again!”

Dominic arches one eyebrow. “Those little love taps? A kitten hits harder than you.”

With a squawk of annoyance, I raise my plastered arm in threat.

Dominic regards me for a long moment, weighing my sincerity before he huffs out a breath. “Fine. But don’t blame me if you fall over again.”

With exaggerated care, he lowers me until my toes touch the hardwood floor. My legs wobble like jello, but I refuse to cling to him for support.

Childish perhaps, but I’m tired of being treated like a doll. I had enough of that from Louie. While this is different, now safe within the walls of the Homestead, memories of my past with Dominic resurface, reminding me why I shouldn’t rush to trust him again.

Sadness tightens his features. “Please don’t look at me like that.”

I focus on the carpet beneath the bed. “Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize, either,” he says gruffly. “I own what I did and accept that it’s going to take time. Thank you for giving me a chance.”

Before I can respond, Holden calls out from the bathroom. “Bath’s ready! I added some coconut oil, so I hope you like the scent.”

“I do.” Natural oils don’t interfere with pheromones the way synthetic ones do, and the Homestead only stocks Alpha and Omega-friendly products, as far as I could tell.

I turn and shuffle toward the en suite, and Holden meets me at the door, a tender look on his handsome face. My heart flips at the sight.

Then his expression shifts to concern as he examines my matted hair. “Oh, Chloe… It’s going to be tricky to bathe with your arm in a cast. You need to make sure you don’t get it wet.”

Behind me, Dominic says, “How about I figure out the chicken noodle soup while you help Chloe clean up, Holden?”

Offended by the idea of anyone but him in the kitchen, he starts to protest before his expression softens as he stares at me. “That’s a great idea, Dom. Thank you.”

Holden extends his hand. “What do you say, sugar? Will you let me help you bathe? I promise to be a perfect gentleman.”

The intimate offer brings a flush to my cheeks, despite my exhaustion, and nerves twist in my stomach.

The thought of Holden’s gentle hands on my bare skin, washing me with tender care, quickens my pulse, and I take his hand. “Okay. Yes, I’d like that.”

Holden beams, pleased by my acceptance. He guides me toward the bathtub, steam swirling around us.

True to his word, Holden turns his back while I undress. My cheeks blaze red as I drop the sweats to the ground, leavingmyself nude. All it would take is a peek in the vanity mirror for Holden to see me, but he keeps his head turned away.

With my uninjured hand, I grip the edge of the tub for balance and step over the rim, lowering myself inside. A sigh of pure relief escapes as I sink into the fragrant water, soothing heat enveloping my sore body.

The water rises high enough to cover my breasts, the bubbles concealing me from view. My good arm sinks below the surface, leaving my casted arm resting outside the tub to ensure my cast stays dry.

I clear my throat. “I’m in.”

He turns, his face as red as mine. From the shower, he collects shampoo, conditioner, and a comb before kneeling beside me.

He sets the items on the tiles beside me. “Is it all right if I touch you?”

“Yes, of course.” A showerhead hangs on the wall beside me, and I pass it to him. “How do you want me?”

His blush deepens as he turns on the water, adjusting the temperature until he’s satisfied with the spray. “Lean forward and shut your eyes. Let me do all the work.”

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