Page 165 of Gloves Off

“It is. You know what else I want?”

“What?” Where’s the acetaminophen? I search through my bag.

“To play doctor.”

With my back to him, I smile. “You need to rest.”

“I’ll make you a deal.”

“The last time you wanted to make me a deal, I ended up married.”

“Put on one of the things I bought you and I’ll do whatever you say.”

That, I can do. I search through my bag to find the lacy forest green romper, but pause when my fingers brush soft cotton. The softest, well-worn T-shirt.

I turn to him, holding it with a quizzical look.

“For me?” I ask, delight blooming throughout my body.

“If you want it.”

“You won’t miss it?” With my back to him, I undress and pull it over my head. His scent surrounds me, and I almost forget all the horrible stuff that happened tonight at the game. When I turn, Alexei stares at me with a heated expression. “Alexei?”

“Hmm?”

I start to smile. “I asked if you’ll miss it.”

He exhales a heavy breath, dark eyes all over me, looking tortured. “Not when you look like that in it.”

My stomach dips as I head over to the bed. The front of his boxers is already stretched out by his erection.

“I almost feel bad for you,” I gesture at his erection, “but after today, you deserve it.”

I slip into bed beside him, sitting against the pillows on his good side. Slowly, wincing, he leans down and presses a kiss to my temple.

“Thanks for taking care of me, sweetheart.”

We watch each other for a long moment.

“You okay?” he asks quietly.

I nod.

“You sure?”

I nod again.

“Because you seem like you’re not okay.”

My throat aches at the memory of tonight. “I didn’t like seeing you get hurt.”

“I don’t like seeing you upset over me getting hurt.”

My heart wrenches, and I don’t answer.

He searches my eyes. “I’m not ready to retire.”

“I’m not asking you to.”

---