“Those are the technical terms, I assume,” Keno says, narrowing his eyes.
Trevor grins. “Come here. Let me show you how to help Etna stretch if he tenses up again.”
I remain their human doll as Trevor teaches Keno how to turn me into a pretzel. When they finally let me up, I feel so much better. I can breathe again, and my back doesn’t feel like it’s going to snap.
Keno isn’t entirely convinced. He wraps his arm around my waist as we head for the door. Our friends are waiting outside.
“It was completely unnecessary for you to stay,” I tell them.
“What happened?” Horny asks.
“To quote Trevor, ‘things were pinched that shouldn’t be pinched.’ He assures us those are the technical terms,” I repeat.
Hilt rolls his eyes.
Horny wraps his arms around my shoulders. “It was terrifying seeing you in so much pain,” he says and gives me a tight squeeze before letting me go.
I smile. “I know. Thanks for staying.”
He flashes me a smile and waves as he heads down the hall toward the exit. Hilt rests his hand on my chest. “See you tomorrow,” he says and follows Horny.
I meet Julian’s eyes. “You’re really okay now?”
“I can walk on my own, but Keno can’t keep his hands off me.”
Keno huffs and I grin.
“Really, I’m good now. The muscles in my back are still a little tight, but the pain is gone. I swear.”
Julian nods. “’Kay. I’ll see you tomorrow then.”
“Thanks.”
He nods again and follows our friends out. “Want to dress me?” I ask Keno when we’re alone in the hall.
His hand drops, and he slaps my ass. I grin as we head back toward the locker room. He does help me dress, but I think he does it because he wants to see for himself if I’m wincing or hesitating in lifting a leg or whatever. I don’t. And I don’t even fake it.
Keno doesn’t let me carry my gear bag. Or let me drive. He keeps my hand in his all the way home. He undresses me when we get to our bedroom. When we’re naked, I grab his hips and pull him flush to my chest.
“I’m not going to lie to you and tell you I’m not in pain when I am. I’m not in pain anymore. It doesn’t hurt anymore. I’m fine, Keno. I swear.”
He takes a breath and holds it, staring into my eyes. “That was…”
“I know. I didn’t realize I hurt as much as I did during the game. It was a mistake I didn’t realize I was making. I’m thankful it was easily resolved, and I didn’t hurt myself further. But Iamfine now. You don’t need to worry so much.”
“I’m probably going to worry for a while,” he warns me. “I believe you didn’t lie intentionally. But seeing you sit on the bench very obviously in a lot of pain just…” Keno shakes his head, closing his eyes. “Horny’s right. It was terrifying.”
I press my forehead to his. “Thanks for being concerned.”
He sighs. “Let’s get to bed.”
Nodding, I kiss his lips and let him go. He watches as I climb in, following only after I’m settled. Most nights, we laughingly wrestle over what position we sleep in. Who’s going to be the big spoon? Who’s going to be on top? Who’s going to have their leg over the other’s hips?
Tonight, Keno lets me move him wherever I want to. I hug him close and fall right to sleep.
CHAPTER 34
KENO
