Pads, women’s underwear, medicines, supplements, teas, chocolates, candies, heating pads, pajamas, and fluffy socks.
A lump forms in my throat.
Movement pulls my attention to the door.
Brennan walks across the room, gathers all the bathroom-specific items, and moves them either onto the counter or into the water closet.Without a word, he kisses my temple and leaves the room.
Afraid of my own emotions, I push them aside and lock myself in the bathroom.
When I open the door again, the bags no longer sit on the bed.Brennan strides in from the hall with a tray full of snacks, candies, a mug, the kettle, honey, and an assortment of teas.
Nausea grips me as my stomach cramps.
He sets the tray on the beside table and pulls me into his arms.
“Did you take something for the pain?”he asks.
I nod.
“Let me adjust the pillows and you can sit against the headboard and have some tea,” he suggests.
“I just want to curl up with a heating pad and sleep,” I croak through my swollen throat.
“It’s already Sunday evening, but if that’s what you need, that’s what we’ll do.The heating pad is plugged in,” he murmurs against the top of my head.
I sigh against his chest.It feels so good in his arms I don’t want to leave.
He lifts the blankets, guides me onto the mattress, and wraps the heating pad around my lower back.Expecting him to tuck me in and leave the room, I reach around to move it to my stomach, but he turns off the light, slips onto the bed, and pulls me flush against him.
I squeak when he grabs my leg, but he drapes my thigh over his hip, wedges his hand between our torsos, and rubs my stomach with gentle pressure.
A groan escapes my throat.
“That’s a pretty sound, baby doll.Relax and let me take care of you,” he rumbles.
I nod and bury my face against his chest.
I don’t deserve him, but I’ll cling to him for as long as he’ll let me.
Chapter 16
Brennan Diamond
Unwilling to leave the bedwith my baby doll tucked so comfortably against me, I notify work of our absences and text the police officer I spoke with outside Audrey’s apartment building.Due to the presence of an accelerant, they suspect arson but haven’t verified the source of the fire.
If we identify Ms.Baker on the security feed from Mr.Carter, then nothing will stop me from believing she started the fire last night.
I hug Audrey tighter.
She could’ve died.I was so close to losing her.
When she jolts awake and mumbles about being late for work, I tug her back against me and growl.
“I’m the boss, remember?Plus, I doubt you want to traipse through the office wearing my pajamas,” I murmur.
She gives a defeated sigh and snuggles closer.
“You’re right, I don’t.”
