Page 83 of Oleander
But first, I need a fucking shower and a toothbrush.
“Ander. Will you help me to the bathroom?” I desperately want to feel clean, and I don’t know if I can make it on my own. The sandwich helped, but I still feel weak.
“Yes, of course, Sky. Anything you need.”
Anything?
My mind instantly conjures images of him on his knees, water cascading over his golden hair and making it darker as I thrust into his hot mouth. But I take it one step at a time and ask him to help me get out of bed and into the infirmary shower first.
“I-I could just get in there with you. Help you wash your wounds gently. Make sure you don’t fall and worsen your condition,” he says shyly, shutting off the heart monitor and gently removing the electrodes from my chest.
“Yeah. Thanks, O.” He’s already well acquainted with my body, as I am with his, so there’s no reason to be shy.
“Strictly professional,” Oleander adds quickly. “No shenanigans.”
“Oh, but Iloveour shenanigans,” I whine, teasing him and pushing my own luck.
“You sustained a serious concussion, in addition to your other injuriesandthe poisoning. You’re lucky to be alive, to say the least, Sky.”
“No shit. A concussion?” I murmur.
No wonder my skull is throbbing. That lying Blood Fae bastard.
Ander nods solemnly. “You may experience some headaches and dizziness, and possibly even memory loss for the next couple of weeks. But don’t worry, you’re going to be fine. You just need time to rest and heal.”
I don’t tell him this isn’t my first rodeo. Tommy Wilkins punched me in the face for kissing his girlfriend behind the bleachers in tenth grade. Broke my nose and gave me a concussion. The thought of repeating the headaches and sleepless nights isn’t appealing, even if I have a sexy Fae prince taking care of me this time.
“You’ve also got some pretty impressive stitches, too, as I’m sure you’ve noticed.” He grimaces. And yeah, they itch and sting like a bitch. It sucks already.
But how does he even know all of this, and where is my actual nurse?
“I thought only family or an emergency contact could be informed of these things. At least that’s how it works in the Mortal Realm. Not that I have either of those, come to think of it.”
Shit. That’s kind of a depressing thought.
“Skyler—” Pity clouds his lavender eyes, and I don’t like it.
“It’s fine,” I interrupt, brushing off his concern and whatever he was about to say. I scoot to the edge of the bed and attempt to stand on my own, letting the gown fall to the floor. The room spins worse than the merry-go-round from my third-grade nightmares. “Whoa.” I stumble, grasping onto the bed frame and squeezing my eyes shut.
Oleander crowds my naked back, resting his hands on my hips and gently steadying me. Goosebumps erupt down my legs and back up to my dick.
He whispers directly into my ear. “To answer your earlier question about how I know all of this, I’m your roommate and your friend. Someone needs to keep an eye on you and monitor your symptoms. That person is me. I would not allow it to be anyone else.”
He gently turns me around, and his gaze is fiercely protective. Unwavering. My stomach bottoms out.
“Now, please allow me to lead you to the bathroom and assist you with bathing.”
I swallow thickly, unable to do anything but nod at his authoritative tone. His pointed ears stick out from his messy blond hair that’s grown even longer since I first met him, and lavender eyes stare intently, waiting for my permission.
“Okay.” My voice is abnormally husky, an odd mix of embarrassment and arousal washing over me. I allow Ander to escort me to the restroom, and he leaves for a minute to give me some privacy.
I glance at myself in the mirror and instantly regret it. My eyes dart away, unable to look at the mottled purple bruising covering one side of my face. I touch it gently, hissing at the slight pressure. Rafael really got me good.Bastard.I hope he’s suffering in the Underworld right now.
I quickly use the toilet and brush my teeth before opening the door and letting Ander back in. He instructs me to sit, so I carefully slip onto the low counter, not giving a shit if my bare ass is on the infirmary sink. I lean back against the mirror, staring at Ander with hooded eyes as he turns the shower on and slips his tunic over his head. His lean swimmer’s body is on full display.
Sexy.
He leaves his boxers on, sticking a hand under the water flow and testing the temperature. “It’s warm, but not too hot. We want to soothe your wounds, not irritate them.” Ander slips out of his underwear next, his cock hanging thick and semi-full. “Come,” he says quietly over the rushing water behind him.
