Page 9 of Unmasked Anarchy
I am half teasing, but there is a hint of firmness in my words.
For a second, his gaze snaps with challenge, like I’ve just handed him a dare.“He doesn’t scare me,” he says, his eyes unwavering “But you, darlin’.You do.”
My mouth goes dry, and I shift, yanking a little too hard at the sheets.I can’t be doing this.I can’t.“Could you call my nurse?”I ask, avoiding his eyes.“I need some help walking to the bathroom and I need to pee.”
He stands so fast the chair rocks, holding out one of those big hands.
I stare at him, horrified.
“No.”
He smiles, a small tip of his lips that has my heart doing silly things in my chest.
“I ain’t callin’ the nurse when I’m right here.I’ll wait outside.”
I bite my lip, staring at him.
He keeps his hand out.
I take it and let him anchor my weight as he pulls me upright.We’re both careful, but it’s still agony, and I clench my jaw so tightly my teeth ache.Kael steadies me at the elbow, and when the hospital gown slips, it’s him who tugs the shoulder back up, covering me without thought.
He’s so close I can smell him, and I have to close my eyes for a second to focus on the task at hand.
We make it to the bathroom, and I catch my reflection, my hair is a mess, my skin pale.I look like a ghost.God, is this what he is seeing?Kael sets me down on the closed toilet, holding my wrist while I catch my breath, refusing to let go even though we both know how fucked this is.
“You gonna make it?”he murmurs.
I nod, teeth grinding.“Yes.I have suffered enough humiliation catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror.I don’t need you to see me pee.We’re still on a first name basis.”
He grins, and the sight has my breath catching in my throat.Then, he leaves.I exhale loudly.It takes me a long time to manage to pee, straighten myself, and wash my hands.I also splash water on my face, running my fingers through my tangled hair as if that will make a difference.
When I finish, he’s waiting just outside the door.He threads my arm through his, slow enough to not rip anything open, steering me gently back to my bed.Once I’m in, he pulls a comb out of the inside of his jacket and steps closer.I stare at him, eyes wide with shock and horror.“Firstly, why do you have a comb.Secondly, what are you doing with it?”
A low chuckle.“I got hair, in case you didn’t notice, though I’m cuttin’ it off today because it’s a pain in my fuckin’ ass, and I’m goin’ to brush yours.Now turn your head.”
“I still don’t even know your last name,” I protest.
He chuckles.“Ashford.Now lean forward.”
I press my lips together and do as he asks.Using his fingers and the comb, he gently runs it through my hair, smoothing out the tangles.My skin is on fire with every touch, and I’m holding my breath, desperate for this to go on forever and also to end, because I can’t handle how it makes me feel.
When he’s done, he places the comb down on my lap.“Keep it, I won’t need it anymore.”
Why can’t I breathe properly?
What is this man doing to me?
“I gotta run,” he murmurs, offering me a small smile.
I swallow.“Don’t come back,” I whisper.“If Gage finds you here, I don’t know what he’ll do.I don’t want to see you hurt.”
He leans in, and my breath hitches.He smells so god damned good.“I’m coming back,” he says.“You can’t scare me off that easy, Sable.I found you for a reason.”
“Trust me.I’m not worth it.If you’re smart, you’ll disappear.”But he just keeps looking at me, and I know he’s already made up his mind.
“That’s up to me to decide.”
Then, he turns and leaves without another word.I watch his broad shoulders vanish around the corner.The moment he’s gone, the air in the room changes.I sink into the bed and pull the sheet up to my chin, closing my eyes and praying this doesn’t go bad like I fear it will.
