Wiping away my tears, he gives me a sexy, lop-sided grin. “I love you, angel. Now, let’s get you back to bed.”
He moves to help me up and I lean into his chest. “I’m already sick of this. I want to feel normal again.”
“It’s going to take time. You’re not doing this alone. I’m here with you.”
“Can you bend down so I can kiss you?” God, that sounded pathetic.
He grins again, bending until his breath mingles with mine. “Kiss me all you want to, baby. I’m here for the taking.”
Even in my current state, my core tightens at his words. I could be on my death bed, and this man would bring me back to life.
Leaning in, our lips touch and my body reacts. My hands go to his waist, bracing myself for the magic of his tongue. He licks the seam of my lips, and I open greedily, desperate for the taste of him. He groans into my mouth, and my body aches for the release only he can give me. A whimper of need escapes my throat, and he pulls away.
We’re both panting, and his hoarse voice conveys his desire as he leads me into the bedroom. “I don’t know how I’ll survive not touching you.”
He helps me into bed, and I pout. “If you figure it out, let me know. Even with the pain, I need you.”
He groans helplessly, tucking me under theblanket. “You can’t say shit like that, baby. It only makes it worse.”
If I could laugh, I would. “Go relax, Gabe. I’m going to take a nap.”
He moves to his side of the bed, kicking off his shoes. He crawls onto the mattress, laying on his side, facing me.
“What are you doing?” I ask, quirking an eyebrow.
“Nothing is more relaxing than watching you.”
This fucking man.
Chapter Eighteen
Gabriel
The past month has been a rollercoaster.
Brooke is better for the most part. To my disliking, she’s doing most things for herself. Although I hated seeing her in pain, I loved taking care of her. The swelling and bruising are gone, her fractures and broken nose almost healed.
I took her for a check-up yesterday and the doctor was impressed with her progress. He said her injuries looked good but be mindful of any tenderness and don’t overdo it. My girl took that as a green light, and she hasn’t slowed down since.
She’s doing well emotionally. I mentioned her seeing a therapist, but she shut that down quickly. She said talking to me is all the help she needs. Although I loved hearing that, I’ve paid close attention to ensure she doesn’t spiral. She seems okay and when she wants to talk about it, I listen and give her reassurance.
After being kidnapped from her home, she didn’t want to go back. She mentioned buying a new house and selling her old one. I told her that wouldn’t be necessary because she lives with menow. She was stunned at first, but after almost losing her, it wasn’t up for debate. Eric and I moved her things in my place, and he’s handling the sale of her old one.
Living together is an adjustment for most people, not for us. We’re in sync with each other, and it’s been a smooth transition.
We haven’t been intimate since the night before she was kidnapped. Not touching her is torture, but her well-being is more important. I’ve learned I can be a patient man this past month. We kiss, and I’m sure we could’ve fooled around, but I want her to know I can wait until she’s ready.
Walking into the bedroom, she’s bent over, making the bed. “What are you doing?”
She spins around, smiling. “I’m making the bed. I’ve always thought it was a waste of time, but now I’m doing it because I can.”
Chuckling at her good mood, I move in front of her, resting my hands on her shoulders. “Be honest with me. What hurts and how bad?”
Her radiant smile floors me. “I’m really okay, Gabe. There’s a little tenderness in my ribs, but other than that, I feel great.” To prove her point, she lifts on her tip toes, kissing me. She nibbles my bottom lip, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Speaking of feeling great.”
Her words shoot straight to my cock, and I groan against her mouth. “Baby, we have to stop.”
She releases my lip, her determined eyes meeting mine. “No more stopping, Gabriel. It’sbeen too long. You’re a patient man, and I love you for it, but I can’t wait anymore. I need you.”
