Page 140 of Coerced

Is that sad or what?

As I scanned the room, I spotted a book on the coffee table. I read the title and realized it was a new release on a ship called theLeviathan.

“Well, hello, sweetheart.” I reached for it with my good arm. “Where did you come from? And which war are you about?”

“World War One,” I heard Mira say.

She took the book from me and held it high over my head.

“And it’s a bribe, so if you wanna know more about the,” she stopped and looked at the cover again, “Leviathan, you’ll do what I ask you to.”

I grinned, more than willing to play this game.

“And what is it you want me to do?” I lifted an eyebrow. “Afraid I’m not good for much right now, unless you want to have a napping contest. Or one to see who can pee the longest because I really need to go.”

“You are getting in the bathtub and soaking with epsom salt.” She crossed her arms over that fine chest and glared at me.

“Okay.” I reached for the throw pillow I’d been using when I had to cough or sneeze - or breathe - and prepared for the agony known as sitting up.

“What?” Mira sounded shocked. “Just that easy? And stop that. Let me help you.”

I didn’t protest as she wrapped her arms around me and helped me sit, then pulled me to my feet. I groaned and plunked my head on her shoulder.

“Ope. I’m sorry,” I wheezed, eyes closed tightly. “I’ll fight with you later. I promise. And of course I’m going to go easy, if you’re dangling a new history book in front of me like a carrot. Now you know my Achilles heel.”

“That’syour fatal weakness?”

“Hey, at least it’s not puppy dog eyes.”

“Puppy dog eyes? Whose Achilles heel is puppy dog eyes? Oh, no. Don’t tell me.” She grinned. “It can’t be Kerry.”

I laughed, but stopped because it hurt too much.

“Don’t make me laugh. And yes, Kerry. Try it sometime and see.”

“I have never made puppy dog eyes at anyone in my life, Rome Aalders.”

I had to force myself not to laugh again. The pain wasn’t worth it.

“I figured as much. You’re an oak. You’d crack before you’d bend.”

She didn’t respond and I lifted my head from her shoulder to look down at her. Her face was half-turned away, but I could see enough to know she was upset.

“Mira? I wasn’t being mean or trying to hurt you. I meant it as a compliment.”

She whipped around and searched my eyes, and I smiled. She didn’t say anything, only nodded.

“Well, let’s get you stripped down.”

“Please, Mira, don’t say things like that. You’ll start something I can’t finish right now.”

She laughed again and helped me shuffle to her bathroom.

“John’s sleeping in your room, and I’m afraid it might wake him up to use your tub.”

“Okay, but no frou-frou soap or bubble bath.”

She chuckled as I hobbled into her bathroom.

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