We stay like this, holding each other and shaking a bit, and then I let out the cooling water to fill the tub with hot water again, carefully washing her. I keep my cock still inside her until I reluctantly, carefully lift her off me and wash between her legs. She’s so relaxed, and I laugh as I help her out of the tub and carry her to bed, helping her put on one of my t-shirts and some underwear.
“Here, you need to take your meds, and then you can sleep,” I hold the glass of water for her, watching her drink before sliding in behind her, pulling up the blankets.
“You take such good care of me,” she mumbles drowsily, “I love you.”
“I love you,” I kiss the top of her head, “and I’ll always take care of you.”
Listening to her soft breathing, I think about how strange it is. I’ve never taken care of anyone but myself. I want to take care of Tatiana for the rest of my life.
Tatiana…
When I open my eyes, the gray light of dawn is peeking between the dark blue curtains in Lucca’s bedroom. His long body is pressed against my back, my butt cradled firmly against his pelvis and his cock lies between us, still thick and heavy.
Aleksandr.
I groan silently. This goes against every rule, every standard I was raised by. But I know he doesn’t want this any more than I do.
Sliding carefully out of bed, I freeze for a moment as his fingers flex against my hip.
“Where are you going?” he mumbles.
“Bathroom,” I whisper, “go back to sleep.”
I know he’s exhausted too, he’s been caring for me non-stop while keeping up with his classes.
Taking my phone into the bathroom, I lean against the counter and text Aleks.
Hey, I’m out of the clinic. Can we talk today? It’s important.
He replies immediately.Yes. I’m out running. Are you well enough to meet me?
The bench by the greenhouse,I text back.Give me fifteen minutes.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
In which it is time to face the music.
Tatiana…
Aleks is pacing by the bench by the time I manage to dress and sneak out of Lucca’s room. I hate how slow I am, how long it takes to do anything, and I must look terrible because he looks alarmed when he sees me.
“Der'mo!Shit, look at you.” He pulls off his grey sweatshirt and puts it on the stone bench before helping me sit on it.
“I’m not an invalid,” I grumble.
“You look like one.”
“Thank you for your refreshing honesty, Aleks,” I sigh.
“Sorry.” He sits next to me, giving me plenty of room. “Seriously, how do you feel?”
“Better, thanks. I’m being treated like I’m breakable, Lucca won’t let me-” I shut up, pressing my lips together.
“It’s okay,” he says gently. “He saved your life. I don’t deserve to be your fiancé.”
“You didn’t know,” I said, patting his arm. “None of this is your fault. We need to talk about it, though.”
“I know,” he said, leaning back with a groan. “This is fucked up. My father’s marriage to my mother was arranged, and he was the one to broker the alliance. He’s never shown any interest in doing this to me, and suddenly we’re engaged and he’s looking at you like he wants to-” He was kind enough to stop before I gagged.
