“Every single body part is sore,” she mumbled against his shoulder.
“Time to get you in a bath and look you over.” Gabe helped ease her to her feet.
In the washroom, he washed his hands.
Damn, he couldn’t stand looking at himself in the mirror. It was absolutely as bad as looking at Ivy’s face
He splashed cold water on his face, then started the tub, setting a glass of water on the edge for Ivy. He shook her favourite salts into the running water and dimmed the lights.
“When the tub filled, he turned off the taps and went to get Ivy. She was curled on her side, her eyes glassy, trembling slightly.
“I don’t know where my phone is,” she said hollowly.
“I’ll see if I can do something about that. Do you want to use mine?”
“Please.”
He fished his phone out of his jacket pocket, wishing it could all be different.
“It’s amazing you came out of that with just a few bruises. It could have been so much worse.”
“I don’t want to think about it right now.”
“Okay. Here, the bath is ready.” Gabe took her by the arm, guiding her to the tub.
She closed her eyes as she settled back against the tile.
“Want me to wash your hair?”
“No. I just need….”
“I love you.”
“I…know. I love you too.”
“Take the time you need.” Gabe dropped a kiss on her head.
“Thanks.”
This was so awful. It’s like they both knew it was the end.
He changed his clothes, and from his go bag, he took out a burner phone, calling Xander as he stepped out on the balcony.
“How’s Ivy?” His boss’s voice was concerned.
“Holding up.” Gabe leaned over the railing.
“And you?”
“Could be better.”
“What do you need?”
“Ivy doesn’t know what happened to her phone. Can you shut down all the important data or do whatever? Xander, I wish you had let me back in the field.”
“I know, Gabe. Feel free to be angry at me. I can take it,” Xander said.
“I’m an idiot.”
