Page 36 of The Last Call
I know she’s resilient but god damn I do not like her being tested to see how much. Flames of pure rage blaze through me again from seeing the sickening scrapes marring her slender back reflected in the mirror. The traces of blood streaked in her long hair. The bobbing of her injured head struggling to keep steady with her injury.
I’ll never understand what that stupid fuck was thinking body checking her when all I ordered him to do was to stop her. I’ll never know either since his head—well I guess his brains—are sprayed all over the alley. Damn stupid for me to make such a mess in public. I’m usually better at keeping my business private. But seeing him lying on top of my unconscious lion obliterated every shred of reason from my normally sane mind.
All I could think about was killing him for hurting her. For touching her. For scaring her. He deserved to die, and I’m damn sure not going to feel guilty about it. Besides, the cobblestones stained with crimson will generate rumors of the slaughter. Reminding everyone of my presence for years to come long after the blood fades away.
I grab one of my clean tee shirts because fuck me if I don’t love seeing her wear my clothes since I can’t have her naked right now. Not until she’s a little bit better and a whole lot more submissive. Which won’t come fast enough now that I’ve figured out she’s a runner. So lock down it is. Can’t feel guilty about that either. She brought it on herself. No hardship keeping her here with me twenty-four seven. Surprisingly, I actually like her company. Which is refreshing in and of itself since most women get on my nerves. Guess that’s why I never kept any around. Or worried about them. Or played fucking nurse maid to them. She makes me break all my rules without even trying.
My chuckle stalls when I hear a thud. And her whimper. Fuck! I shoot like a damn torpedo back to the bathroom. A rare ache stirs in my chest from her puddled on the floor. Her sweet head resting against the plaster as if she slid down the wall. So fucking fragile. “God damn it. I was coming right back. Why the hell didn’t you stay where I put you?”
For once, no resistance from me scooping her up. Or from me bitching at her.
“Because I don’t like you taking care of me.”
Muffled from being crushed into my shoulder, her defeated tone almost guts me. “Why?”
“It makes me weak.”
I kiss her forehead. The smooth skin freezing under my lips from her being half naked sprawled on the tile. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be able to convince her of my sincerity but I’m damn sure going to try. “It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re loved.”
Another first for us. No back talk from my declaration. I force myself not to say more. Not to push. Not to demand her obedience like I normally would.
Maybe I can fucking learn to change too. At least with her.
She only flinches a little when I lower her to the mattress. Mute while I flick the lacy clasp between her breasts and guide the straps down her arms. Jesus. She’s fucking gorgeous. Fighting all my instincts, I toss the bra onto the chair and glide my shirt over her head and down her swaying body. Appreciating her compliance because if she fought me with those magnificent tits jiggling in front of my mouth I’d have no choice but to fuck her.
Laying her down, I tuck the blankets around her shivering body and fold her tiny hand in mine. Doc said she needs to be monitored for the next twelve hours so that’s what I’m going to do. “Feel good?”
“Yes.” Finally, her body relaxes. Softening against the navy pillowcase with a slight nod. “Thank you.”
My cock stirs again from her in my bed. Whispering and clutching me. She needs to get well damn fast. Unwilling to release her, I lean to flip off the lamp. Letting the long orange and yellow rays of the fading day wash over us.
“I don’t believe in love at first sight and all that. It’s unrealistic. It’s only lust.”
An unexpected admission in the dim light. Easy to confess behind closed eyes. Truth finally spoken with her defenses down. I’m just as candid. “It’s both. Just because it’s fast doesn’t mean it isn’t real.”
“I’m not that lucky.”
I brush down her silky hair. “You are now. We both are.”
Silence. Either mulling over my proclamation or mounting a protest. Damn hope it’s the former.
“I’m so tired.”
Neither. I guess it’s falling asleep. “I know lion. Go to sleep. I’ll be here.”
“I’m glad.”
Fucking hell. She genuinely shocks me with two simple words. This time I don’t resist my urge and kiss her slightly parted lips. “Me too.”
“I’m bored. If you’re going to force me to stay here Saint, you at least have to give me something to do.”
She sashays her sweet ass into my office without knocking. Blatantly obnoxious to get a rise out of me. Which definitely happens with my dick. I push back from my desk and point toward my lap. Nervous laughter ruins her cocky demeanor, and she quickly shakes her head. Realizing her error.
“Not that.”
I’ve been waiting for this tantrum so she’s lucky I like her. Doc said to keep her on bed rest for three days but I made it six just in case. So I know she’s going stir crazy. Antsy for a taste of freedom. “You need to be more clear.”
“I’ll remember that the next time.” She shoves the keyboard out of reach and stands a few inches from my spread legs. Too many inches from where she should really be. “I’ve been a good patient. Resting, drinking herbal tea, reading books, watching movies.” She juts out a curvy hip in exasperation and ticks the list off on her red-tipped fingers before curling them into air quotes. “All the things you ‘allowed’ me to do. But I’m done. Let’s do something or go somewhere. Or I’ll just go without you.”
