Page 114 of Ghost
His thumb caught her chin.“Then we’ll handle it.I don’t want you to stress about this anymore, all right?”
She swallowed hard.How could she simply let go of a lifetime of worry?How did one move on from so much torment and abuse?
Resting her head back on Ghost, she tried to set aside all of her uncertainties.Right now, all she could do was be grateful she was back in Ghost’s arms.
She wouldn’t take it for granted, even for a minute.
***
Ghost held Milawhile she slept.An X-ray at the hospital had confirmed she had a broken fibula and a mild concussion.Thankfully, the doctor had given her a walking boot that would allow for more freedom than a cast and crutches.
At home, he’d helped her bathe and then got into bed with her.She’d rested most of the day.It was now just after 7:00p.m.
She’d slept fitfully, murmuring periodically and waking often to make sure he was there.He hadn’t slept, had just lain there waiting for the last several days to stop flashing through his mind.
The same questions continued to come up.
Where the hell did he and Mila go from here?Did she want more between them?
To him, one thing was as obvious as the back of his fucking hand: he couldn’t live without her.Didn’t want to even try.
How he’d make her happy was a completely different story.He’d never had to think about anyone else’s happiness—hell, hadn’t even worked on his own.
His mind went back to the cabin.After they’d discovered they were on the same side, he’d seen facets of her that’d moved him.How quiet she’d become when he’d asked her about Christmas.How she’d shared the memories that were haunting more than comforting.At Dana’s, he’d witnessed the wonder on her face as she took in the festive lights and decorations.
Sliding from the bed, he snatched his phone from the nightstand and then covered Mila with the duvet.She lay on her back, her cheek turned slightly, her foot in the damn walking boot propped up on a pillow.Her brow was creased, her lips full and pouty.
He could never give back the childhood she’d been robbed of, but he’d damn well make her happy now.
***
Mila woke witha start.A gasp caught in her throat as she blinked in the darkness.A rush of pain in her foot and leg made her hiss, but she calmed as the springlike scent of Ghost’s sheets enfolded her.
She rubbed her eyes and glanced at the clock.God, she’d slept all day.It was 10:43p.m.She’d probably be up all night now.
She winced as she sat up and placed her boot on the floor.She was grateful to have dodged a cast, but this tight, bulky thing would grow old real fast.
She wore Ghost’s shirt and sweatpants.The wide leg fit easily over her boot.He was about to lose a lot of his wardrobe, even though the garments hung off her.
Mila stood.The room tilted and her vision flickered as blood rushed to her head.When the dizziness settled, she hobbled to the bedroom door.The hall light was on, and the glow from the stairwell told her Ghost was downstairs.
She hadn’t attempted the stairs in the boot yet.Earlier, Ghost had carried her.She’d have to learn quickly because she couldn’t rely on him to tote her around for the next six weeks.
Just as she reached the top of the stairs, Ghost started climbing them.A corner of his mouth lifted when he saw her.His happiness was subtle, but it was there.Butterflies danced in her belly.
“You’re up,” he said.
She placed her hand on the banister.“I slept the day away.Sorry.”
He stopped on the top stair and feathered his knuckles over her cheek where Paul had struck her.She’d spotted the ugly purple bruise after her bath.
“Don’t be sorry.Rest will help you heal faster.”He tilted his head.“Hungry?”
As if on cue, her stomach growled.“Starving, apparently.”
He chuckled and bent to catch her around the back and knees.
“Hold on.”She placed her hand on his shoulder to stop him.“I need to learn the stairs at some point.”
