Page 81 of Wrath

I’d seen a wound like that before. I knew it was a bullet graze, and that scared me. But I remained strong. I kept my emotions in check and didn’t even ask him what happened. I simply reached for a bottle of soap and poured a small amount onto my hand. I lathered it gently, tenderly washing his back and down his arms, paying extra attention to his wound.

I was gentle, ensuring it was cleaned without causing him any further discomfort. I couldn’t help but notice the tension in his muscles seemed to be subsiding. I began to wash his hair, carefully massaging his scalp and allowing the water to rinse away the traces of chaos he’d endured.

I’d washed every inch of him and was about to start again when Wrath reached down and turned off the water. I quickly opened the door and reached for a towel, carefully helping him dry off. As soon as I was done, I whispered, “I’ll be out in a minute.”

He nodded, then stepped out of the room.

I removed my wet t-shirt and bra, then took a second to dry off. Once I was done, I wrapped the towel around me and went to join Wrath in the bedroom. When I walked in, I found him standing by the foot of the bed. He was wearing a pair of low-hanging sleep pants that showed off his well-defined V and nothing else, leaving the rest of his gorgeous, muscular torso bare.

There was sweat beading across his brow, and he was working to put a bandage on his wound. “Hold on, and I’ll help you with that. I just need to borrow a T-shirt first.”

“Grab one out of the bottom drawer.”

I nodded, then walked over to the dresser and picked out a long sleeve tee, then slipped it over my head. I draped my towel over the back of his chair, then walked over and took the bandage from his hand. “You should really let Doc take a look at it.”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s not fine.” I carefully placed the bandage over the wound as I told him, “It looks angry.”

“Mia.”

“Okay, suit yourself, but no complaining when it gets infected.”

“I’ll take my chances.”

“Stubborn.” I was done placing the bandage, so I suggested, “Why don’t you get in bed and get some rest.”

He hesitated but eventually did as I asked and got into bed, propping the pillows behind his head. Once he was settled, he asked, “You gonna get in with me or what?”

“You should rest.”

“Mia, get your ass in the fucking bed.”

“Okay. Okay.” I stepped over and crawled in next to him, being sure to leave a little distance between us. He looked over to me, and a spark flashed through his eyes. “There a problem?”

“Nope. I’m good.” Even though he was wounded, bandaged, and exhausted, he looked so damn good laying there looking at me with longing in his eyes.

“What about you?”

“I’d be better if you weren’t all the way over there.”

He slipped his arm under me, pulling me over to him. Without giving me a chance to protest, he pressed his lips against mine, and I was immediately putty in his hands. His tongue drifted over my bottom lip, and with a slight whimper, I opened my mouth, giving him access to delve deeper.

Unconscious of my own movement, I leaned towards him, and in a matter of seconds, we were both lost in the moment. It was like the world around us had just disappeared, and it was just him and me. My hands drifted up to his chest, and when my fingers grazed his bandage, I quickly pulled back from our embrace.

I bit down on my bottom lip as I scooted back away from him. As much as I wanted him, that wasn’t why I was there. I wanted to be there for him and support him. “Not happening tonight.”

“Excuse me?”

“You need your rest.” I rolled over on my side, facing away from him as I said, “Good night.”

I heard a slight chuckle, then a soft, “Good night, Mia.”

I did my best to lay still, hoping I wouldn’t distract Wrath, and just as I hoped, it wasn’t long before I heard his breathing begin to slow. Moments later, his body stilled, and I knew he had drifted off to sleep. Being careful not to wake him, I rolled back over, and as I lay there staring at his handsome face, I was hit with a wave of gratitude. He came back to me.

I buried my face in his chest, inhaling his intoxicating scent, feeling the warmth of his body next to mine, and it wasn’t long before my own exhaustion took hold and I fell sound asleep. The next morning, I awoke to the sound of a knock on the door. I turned to wake Wrath, but he was gone. I quickly sat up and asked, “Who is it?”

“It’s me,” my father answered. “You got a minute?”

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