“On my mind?” Erzo echoed, trying to mask his inner turmoil.
She nodded. “You look like you want to say something.”
Realizing there was no escaping this conversation, Erzo sat cautiously on the edge of the couch, maintaining a respectful distance. He told himself it was for her comfort, but it was equally to quell his rising desires. “I was curious about something.”
“What’s that?”
“You seemed so sure that you were too heavy to carry. Why is that?” Erzo asked, genuinely puzzled.
Polly’s eyes flitted over him, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. “It’s just... past experiences with men.”
“Were they unable to lift you?” Erzo inquired, his voice soft but insistent.
She shook her head, her expression a mix of disappointment and something deeper. “They were, uh, less than capable.”
Erzo felt a twinge of protectiveness. “Then they were weak. You’re not a burden, not to me.”
Her blush deepened, and she averted her gaze, clearly flustered by his words.
“They were something, alright,” she murmured, her voice tinged with past hurts.
Erzo regretted stirring up painful memories. “You don’t need to trouble yourself with them anymore. I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.” He held up the healing cream, his movements deliberate and gentle. “This should help,” he said, squeezing a dollop onto his hand.
The cream tingled against his skin as Erzo carefully spread it over Polly’s swollen ankles. Each touch was deliberate, a soft yet firm caress that seemed to ease her discomfort.
Polly shifted slightly, a soft sigh escaping her lips as the cream’s cooling sensation took effect. “It’s tingly.”
“It’s designed to soothe achy muscles,” Erzo explained, his voice low and steady.
“It already feels better. Or maybe that’s your expert touch,” Polly said, her eyes meeting his with a playful glint.
“Both,” he responded, allowing a small smile to play on his lips.
“Thank you,” Polly murmured, her gratitude genuine.
“You’re welcome,” Erzo replied, his focus shifting to her other foot. As he applied the cream, he noticed how she visibly relaxed, her tension melting away under his ministrations.
Her skin was incredibly soft, inviting his touch to linger. Erzo felt a stirring within him, a desire to continue this intimate connection. But he recognized the dangerous territory they were verging on. It was time to pull back, despite the reluctance that gripped him.
“I think I might actually fall asleep right here,” Polly murmured.
“Then rest,” he encouraged, employing his charm to mask the torrent of desire he was struggling to contain. His hand hovered near her foot, the urge to touch her again almost overwhelming.
Polly glanced around, a slight frown forming. “What time is it? We have dinner later with the others and Addy and her spouse, right?”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you have enough time to get ready,” Erzo assured her.
She shifted, adjusting her position to a less revealing posture. “You really didn’t have to carry me back here.”
“How could I not?” Erzo responded, his tone serious. “What kind of mate would I be to let you suffer? You’re not just a responsibility—you’re someone I care about.”
Her reply was soft. “I would’ve managed.”
With care, he extended his hand once more, his fingers working in a soothing motion on her foot, where the swelling was most prominent, mindful of her discomfort.
She hissed suddenly, and Erzo immediately withdrew his hand.
“You don’t have to stop,” she blurted, her eyes meeting his. “It hurt, but in a good way. Like it was actually helping. Maybe it’s the cream or the pressure, but don’t stop. I like the friction.”
