Page 106 of On The Rocks

My hands tightened on the steering wheel as the anger crept in again. I was trying to keep it in check since I could tell Lennon was in pain and trying not to show it.

I saw the way the woman went at her.

The icy blond hair and the viciousness of the swing reminded me far too much of Irene. It couldn’t be her, but the rage was such a flashback to the last night of Reversal of Fortune’s life.

When Irene had finally fractured the band beyond saving.

I shoved that away as I parked and hopped out to get around to the passenger side before she tried to get out. Too late, she was already sliding down.

She shoved a finger into my chest. “You’re not carrying me again.”

I sighed and slid a hand around her hip. “Fine.”

“I’m fine.”

“Just humor me. I saw that swing and it probably took three years off my life.”

“You saw that bitch?”

I laughed because it was better than yelling. That wouldn’t help anything. “Okay, killer. Let’s get you iced up.”

“You saw her?”

“I saw her swing, but I didn’t see her face. And I couldn’t get to you, dammit.”

She leaned against me. “I can take care of myself, usually. At least when it’s not a sneaky elbow or whatever it was.”

“It was an elbow.” I led her up the stairs and unlocked the door. When we got through the door, I swung her up in my arms again. When she stiffened, I brushed a kiss against her forehead. “Just let it happen, darlin’. I’m taking care of you tonight.”

My bookcase was still open for my bedroom. I slipped inside and went right for the bathroom. I set her down and started the bath. “Get in. I’ll get the peas.”

“You don’t really have a bag of peas, do you?”

“It’s the best for black eyes and swollen cheeks like yours.”

She touched the top of her cheek near her eye. “I’m still pissed.”

“Well, be pissed in the bath. I’ll bring you ice cream too.”

“Okay.” She pouted adorably and held onto the sink as she tugged off her boots.

I left her to it and grabbed a pint of Cherry Garcia, the peas, and two spoons. When I got back to the bathroom, she was already submerged under steamy water with her hair pinned up on top of her head.

I dropped down beside the tub and handed her a spoon and the peas.

She laughed but took them both and set the peas on her face. “Oh, man.”

“See, told you.”

She relaxed back and held out her spoon. “Fill ‘er up.”

I pried off the top and dug out a cherry-filled chunk with her spoon and handed it back. “You take a punch better than most men I know.”

“Elbow,” she corrected around a mouthful.

“Elbow,” I said, with a laugh. “Same deal. The forearm can be used for a whole lot of pain.”

“You’ll have to teach me.”

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