“We’ll work up to that. It’s going to take some time. Let me wash you, baby girl.”
She nods, giving me a small smile. Being as gentle as possible, I work the shampoo into her hair. I take my time massaging her scalp, and she moans with gratitude. After rinsing her hair, I do it again with conditioner.
I’m thankful her eyes are still closed so she can’t see the hesitation I’m feeling. There are so many bruiseseverywhere. The ones on her throat threaten to drag me back to the dark place I was in when she was kidnapped.
Lost in the downward spiral, I didn’t realize she opened her eyes. “Hey. Don’t worry. I can handle it.” She places the soft loofah in my hand, and I reach for the body wash.
After squirting some onto the sponge, I stand frozen, terrified of hurting her.
She grips my hand, pressing it against a bruise on her skin. “This amount of pressure is fine.” She moves my hand in circles and once I’m satisfied she’s okay, I move the loofah over the rest of her body.
Any other time, washing her breasts and between her thighs would make me lose my mind. This is different. I’m taking care of her because she needs me. Because I want to be the only thing she ever needs.
Once she’s finished rinsing, she kisses me softly. “I’m going to hop out and dry off while you finish. Thank you, baby.”
Fuck, this is the second time she’s called me that. It does something to me.
Gripping her hand before she can step out, she eyes me curiously. “Kiss me again.”
She smiles as I lean down to make it easier for her. She kisses me softly, trailing her tongue across my bottom lip. “Love you.”
Groaning against her mouth, I pull away. “I love you, too. Dry off and get into bed.”
She leaves the shower, and I debate jacking off right now. She gets me wound up like this with just a kiss. I won’t do it though because it’s not fair to her. If she can’t have pleasure right now, neither will I.
God, help me.
Showering quickly, I dry myself off and slide into bed next to her. We must love the suffering because we’re both lying here naked, unable to satisfy ourselves.
She must have the same thought. “We should’ve put clothes on.”
Chuckling, I kiss her forehead. “We have all the time in the world, angel. Your healing is more important. Close your eyes and get some rest.”
She snuggles into me the best she can, and I repeat our position from last night. Her head is on my bicep, and I lay my free hand on her thigh. It’s not long before she drifts off to sleep, and I let the exhaustion take me, too.
Chapter Seventeen
Brooke
It’s been two days since my release from the hospital.
I’m feeling better every day, but I still feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.
Gabe has been amazing. He’s adamant I stay in bed, and he takes care of everything I need without being asked. I’m recovering, and I have to follow the doctor’s instructions, even if I’m going stir crazy.
He keeps me company, for the most part. He answers emails and takes calls from work, so I do have a little time alone. It may sound ridiculous, but the silence is my enemy right now. It’s the quiet that allows the memories of my abduction to haunt me.
Gabe helps me through it. He’s never asked the details of what happened. I know it’s because he doesn’t want me to relive the attack, but I’ve told him most of what happened. He sits quietly, listening intently, but I know he’s a caged animal inside. If he could dig up Brian and kill him again, he would.
He held me for a long while last night while I sobbed over Trevor. His death was unnecessary, and it broke my heart. I was looking forward to forming a friendship with him, but his time was cut short by monsters. Eric had him cremated and he told Gabe we can spread his ashes once I’m healed.
Eric has become an unexpected friend. He drops by to check on me, and he brings me danish. His love language is food, and I’m more than happy to accept. Gabe finds our new friendship amusing. Although I didn’t know Eric before, I always had a soft spot for him because he protects Gabe. Now that I’ve gotten to know him, he’s more than our protector.
He’s family.
The sheriff wants to speak with me, but Gabe insisted he give me a few days to recover. Sheriff Lindsey agreed at first, but decided today was the day to take my statement. I hate the idea of lying about what happened, but it’s the only way to protect all of us. Therealbad guys have been dealt with, so I’m sticking with our story.
Gabe walks into the room, a scowl on his face. “Lindsey is here. He’s early.”
