Page 6 of Forbidden Passion

Dominik sighed. “I’m sorry, Sweetheart. I need to check all of you.”

“B-but I don’t want you to see me like this. I wanted you to want to see me naked.”

She could feel herself blushing when he stared at her.

“Let’s deal with that later. Your well-being is what’s important right now,” he said.

He tugged a few times before her shoulders relaxed, and she let go of the fabric. She closed her eyes as he pulled one side of the robe open and felt around before doing the other side.

“You’ve got some bruising and a few cuts, but none of them are bleeding right now. I’m mostly worried about your head. What if you have a concussion?”

Tessa shook her head and immediately regretted it. “I don’t. I have a small headache but no nausea, dizziness, ortrouble focusing.”

He looked doubtful but let it go. “Let’s get some ice on your head.” He held onto her arm, stood, and pulled the comforter back. “Get in bed, and I’ll go get the ice.”

“Okay.”

He helped her get comfortable. “I’ll be right back.”

She had a strong urge to call him back but stopped herself. He’d already done so much for her, and she didn’t want to add to it.

He came back a moment later and gently set the bag of peas on her head. “Tell me if that hurts.”

“It feels good.”

“I’m going to find you aspirin and get a glass of water.”

“The aspirin is in the cupboard to the right of the kitchen sink.”

“All right. I’ll be back.”

She watched him walk out again and concentrated on keeping the peas on her head.

He handed her the pills and water and took the peas from her hand. “Take these. You’re going to be sore tomorrow, and this will help.”

“I know,” she said, swallowing them and drinking all the water. She looked up at him when he stood still beside the bed.

“How do you know that?” he asked.

She could hear the stress in his tone. “I … I’ve gotten hurt a few times.”

He scowled. “When?”

“A long time ago.”

She could tell he wanted to ask more questions but was thankful he let it go.

“Do you want to put this back on your head?” he asked.

She shook hers. “No. it’s numb right now.”

He set the bag on the nightstand and stood staring at her.She saw the emotions racing over his face but only caught the one telling her he was very uncomfortable.

Tessa cleared her throat. “Hey, why don’t you head home?”

He scowled at her. “You want me to leave?”

She opened and shut her mouth. “It’s not that. You’ve already done so much for me already. I can’t impose anymore.”

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