Page 65 of Caught By the Bratva Boss

I smile because it’s so damn good to hear her teasing tone. When she lifts her face, I wince and what was left of my erection immediately dies. The sight of her swollen, bruised face sucks the breath from my lungs and makes my heart lurch painfully in my chest.

“I look that good, huh?” she whispers, barely moving her mouth because of her split bottom lip.

“Hey,” I whisper, cupping her face in the barest of touches because I’m so damn afraid of accidentally hurting her. “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, baby. Always. Nothing will ever change that. I just hate seeing you in pain. It hurts me like nothing else ever has.”

“I’m okay.” She runs her fingers down my cheek. “Did you sleep at all?”

“I’m fine,” I quickly say. “Don’t you dare worry about me.”

“Too late.”

I smile at her stubborn streak coming out, but it doesn’t reach my eyes because I’m too busy noticing how bad the swelling still is and the way her eye is still swollen shut. The bruises are a dark purple, and they trail all the way down her body. I wish I could bring Antonio back to life just so I could kill him again. I doubt the rage will ever go away.

“I want Jack to check on you again.”

“You don’t need to make him come back. I’m fine.”

I kiss the tip of her nose, one of the few places on her that’s unharmed. “He’s still here. It was so late after he was finished stitching everyone up, so he just took one of the spare rooms. He texted me while you were sleeping and told me to let him know when you woke up so he could check on you before he left.”

“Can I get dressed first?”

“I’m going to have to insist on it. He saw you naked last night. He’s not getting a second glimpse.”

She rolls her one eye at my overprotectiveness, but I can tell she’s fighting a grin. I help her up, and while she goes to the bathroom, I grab one of my T-shirts and a pair of her comfy pajama bottoms before pulling on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt for myself. She opens the door and grabs her toothbrush, gingerly brushing her teeth while I hurry up and do the same. I notice the way she’s avoiding her reflection, and when she’s finished, I help her into a pair of panties and her pajama bottoms before slipping my shirt over her head. It dwarfs her, but I want her in something of mine. I send Jack a text to let him know it’s okay to come up.

As soon as he sees her, he gives her a smile and motions for her to sit down. “How’s everything feeling today?”

“It hurts,” Charlie says in what might be the understatement of the damn year.

He runs his fingers lightly over her face, checking the swelling and then inspects her ribs and the bruising on her stomach and back.

“How’d you sleep?”

“Fine,” she says, and I quickly add, “She woke up several times from nightmares.”

“That’s to be expected. If they don’t go away, then it might not be a bad idea for you to talk to someone about everything you went through. PTSD is a very real possibility here. You’ve been through something very traumatic, Charlie. It’s important you don’t dismiss that.” He turns to me and says, “I can give you the name of a great therapist if you want.”

“Yes, thank you,” I say, before Charlie can cut in and insist she’s fine again.

She surprises me by asking Jack, “When is it okay to have sex?”

Jack laughs while I give Charlie anare you out of your mind?look.

“Well, it’s really just about finding a position that doesn’t cause you additional pain.”

“She can’t even take a breath without being in pain. There’s no way in hell I’m going to do anything to hurt you,” I say.

“This is why I asked you,” she mutters to Jack. “I knew if I didn’t, then he’d make me wait months, but you’re saying that as long as I’m not in pain, it’s okay?”

“Yes,” Jack says and then shoots me an apologetic shrug. “Just be gentle or stick to oral or mutual masturbation.”

When Charlie’s face heats up to an adorable bright red, I laugh and point my finger at her. “You’re the one who brought it up, sweetheart.”

“Orgasms are actually quite good for you,” Jack continues, making her let out a soft groan. “They boost your immune system and promote healing.”

“Thanks, Jack. I’ll definitely remember that.” I laugh, already planning out the healing regimen I’m going to put Charlie on. Ice packs and orgasms and some aspirin thrown in for good measure.

He laughs and tells me to call him day or night if things get worse or if we have any questions. After he leaves, I kneel down in front of her and kiss her hands.

---