Page 65 of Arming Alexis

"I'll give you a puzzle book."

"I'm not an invalid or an old man, Cor."

"I know that, but you have twenty-four hours before I'll give you your laptop back. You might as well have something to occupy your time until then." I shrugged, knowing I was just teasing him at this point. Maybe Miko was rubbing off on me because this was too much fun to frustrate him.

"Go get me my fucking meds." He waved his hands in the air in true Italian fashion. "I need five minutes without someone riling me up just to see my reaction."

Laughing, I made my way out of the room to grab some snacks and his meds. Despite the threats hanging over our heads, I wouldn't trade this day for any other in the world.

34

ALEXIS

The next few days were spent putting together our game plan.

Antonio was a bear, snapping at almost everyone until he broke down and apologized.

"That's it. One last set, and we'll call it good for the day." The physical therapist, Ronan, encouraged Antonio as he worked with some resistance bands.

"No way," Antonio growled. "Two more sets after this one. I need to push myself."

I stood to the side, thankful that Ronan was an alpha and could put up with the bullshit that Antonio liked to dish out.

"You'll do more damage if you do more, Antonio, and you fucking know it." Ronan let loose a growl that made me shiver. "Now stop arguing with me because you're pissing me off even more.

I stifled a giggle.

"I'm going to murder you." Antonio had sweat beading along his forehead as he worked to complete the next repetition.

"Good thing I've received worse threats. Now, last one. Let's go." Ronan clapped his hands, encouraging him as he finished the last stretch, and fell back against the chair. "See why I said no more after this one? Because if you try to do more than you should, you'll put stress on the surgically-repaired area. You want to build up strength but not overdo it."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I get it." Antonio took the bottle of water Ronan held out for him and drained half of it down. "Still going to murder you by the time we're done."

"Yeah, good luck with that." He slapped a palm on his shoulder before looking toward me and winking. "Luckily, you have your pretty little omega to motivate you to keep going. I don’t think she’ll forgive you if you kill me."

Oh shit. Ronan was just asking for trouble teasing Antonio where I was concerned.

"You're really asking for it, now." Antonio clenched his fist around the bottle, the plastic crinkling and giving way under his grip. "Get the fuck out of here before I pull out my gun."

Ronan scratched the tip of his nose with his middle finger, then laughed when Antonio shook his head. "See you Tuesday, Cavalori."

Antonio nodded and shooed him from the room. "Lexi, come sit with me for a minute."

I grabbed a towel and sank into the side of his bed. "Here, you're dripping everywhere." I bit down on my bottom lip to fight back more giggles.

"You like me all hot and sweaty." He grinned and leaned forward to nip at my shoulder. "You always loved accosting me whenever I got home from the gym. Wouldn't even let me take a shower most days."

"No," I tapped my finger on his chin. "Most days, I made you shower with me."

"My little omega was efficient." He lifted my chin and made my toes curl with the sweetest kiss imaginable. "Kill two birds with one stone. Make you dirty, then clean you up."

Cormac and Miko filed into the room and stood on the opposite side of the bed. "Making good progress from what Ronan said."

"Where did you find that asshole?" Antonio grumbled. "He's got to be one of the most surly men I've ever met."

"Have you looked in the mirror lately?" I asked with raised brows. "You could give him a run for his money."

"Woman," he warned, reaching out to snake an arm around my waist to drag me further against him. "I won't hesitate to tickle you for mouthing off to me. I'm keeping count of how many spankings you're due when my leg heals."

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