Page 45 of Absolution

I breathed in her soft scent. “You’re welcome.”

She remained in my arms, her tremors slowly easing up, and soon she fell into an exhausted sleep. While we lay there, I thought about how good she felt in my arms. Her softness fit perfectly against me. Every so often she’d whimper in her sleep, and I hugged her tighter.

I must have dozed off, because I jerked awake at the sound of retching and Gina’s head hanging over the edge of the bed. I scrambled out from under the blankets and pulled her hair back and out of her face. I was paralyzed with fear as she continued vomiting. Finally she stopped and collapsed back onto the bed.

“I’m sorry.”

“Hey, don’t be. We both knew this was going to happen. Let me get you some water and I’ll clean things up.”

“I never wanted you to see me like this.” Her voice quivered with unshed tears.

I sat next to her on the bed and brushed my fingers across her cheek taking wetness with them. “You’ve always been my friend, even when we were apart. Even when you hated me. If our friends can’t see us at our worse, then who else can? You rest. Let me get you some water.”

Not wanting to leave Gina alone for long, I hurried out to the kitchen to get some ice water and towels to clean up. Once I was done, I sat down on the edge of the bed next to her.

“So, is this as bad or better than the first time?”

“Definitely better. Still sucks.”

“No doubt, but you’re going to get through this time just like you did before. I have faith.”

Gina clutched my hand. “Thank you for being here.”

“Anytime.”

Chapter 27

Leo

“Morning,”I greeted Gina when I stepped into her room carrying a tray. “I brought you some breakfast.”

She stuck her tongue out in a mock gag. “My stomach is still feeling a little queasy. I’m not sure I’ll be able to eat anything.”

“I kept it bland. There’s some toast and a banana. You’re going to at least try it.”

“Yes, sir.”

She scooted up in the bed and leaned against the headboard while I set the tray over her lap. I sat in my chair while she ate. The last week had been hell, but she’d finally made it through the majority of the withdrawal symptoms. I hated seeing her go through it. I felt helpless and out of control.

I was only glad that Gideon had remained a ghost. The length of silence didn’t bode well though.

“How are you feeling this morning?”

She swallowed. “Not terrible. A little achey, and my head is throbbing the tiniest bit.”

I reached over to the nightstand, poured out a couple Tylenol and handed them to her. “Here, take these.”

“Thank you.”

“When you’re done eating, and hopefully your headache will be gone by then, I’m going to help you with your bath. I’ll wash your hair for you. That should make you feel better.”

Gina flushed and lowered her eyes. “Okay, thank you.”

When her plate was almost clean, I went into the bathroom and ran a hot bath, adding one of those fancy bath bombs I found. The scent of lavender filled the room while the tub filled with hot, steaming water.

“I’m finished,” she said, pushing her now empty plate away.

“Good girl.” Gina preened under my praise.

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