It had been two days since the accident, and this morning, after another thorough examination, her doctor had assured him she well enough to be discharged.
Gabe’s focus slid up to the area near her left temple. The skin there was bruised, but the thick bandage had been replaced with a two small butterfly strips covering the cut there.
Could’ve been so much worse.
“Stop.”
He met her gaze once more. “Stop what?”
“You heard what the doctor said, Gabe. I’m good to go, so…thanks for the ride.” Offering up a forced smile, Elle looked over his shoulder at the door behind him. “Have a safe trip home.”
Refusing to take the not-so-subtle hint, Gabe sat his duffle bag down onto the small section of tiled flooring next to his feet. “Like I said, I’m staying here.”
“And likeIjust said…” Using her good arm, Ellena reached down, picked the bag back up, and held it out for him. “Absolutely not.”
It was good to see the fire come back into her eyes. When he’d gotten the call about the accident, Gabe was terrified he’d never get the chance to see it again.
When he took the bag from her hand, his fingertips brushing against hers. Though brief, the contact sent a shockwave of electricity up his left arm and straight to his heart.
He somehow managed to keep himself in check, but the tiny hitch in Ellena’s breathing was a dead giveaway. That and the way the blues surrounding her pupils had darkened.
It had always been that way with them. They touched; they ignited.
She let go of the strap as if it had burned her, and Gabe knew…
She still feels it, too.
Though it didn’t change anything, the knowledge that she still reacted to him so strongly made his dick stand up and take notice.
Clearing his throat, he held the bag at his side. “You should go lie down. I can make us something to eat.”
“I’ve been lying down for three days, and I can make myself something to eat.Afteryou leave.”
Her tenacity damn near had him smiling, but Gabe held back knowing it would just piss her off even more.
“I’m not leaving you alone, Elle.” He set the bag down again.
With a low growl, Ellena turned and headed for the split staircase behind her. She talked as she continued walking away.
“You know, just because you’re the one saying the words doesn’t mean it’s the end-all-be-all of the conversation. I mean, I get that you’retheGabriel Dawson, Decorated Navy SEAL and all-around badass, but—”
“Former SEAL.” Gabe couldn’t resist goading her.
She looked back at him as though she were ready to spit nails. “You seem to forget we’re not together anymore. A choiceyoumade, remember?”
She put the hand not held in the sling on one hip, making it even harder for Gabe not to smile because, damn. She was still cute as hell when she was angry.
“I remember.”
“Good.” Ellena tilted her pretty little head and smirked, her twin dimples deepening. “Then it should be easy for you to accept the fact that you have absolutely no say in what I do, nor do you have the right to just barge in here and try to take charge of my life.”
“I’m not trying to take charge, Elle.” He took a step forward. “I’m trying to keep yousafe.”
“It was an accident!” She winced, and it was clear her raised voice had caused her pain.
It took every ounce of strength Gabe had not to go to her. “You know, you really shouldn’t yell like that. It’s not good for your head.”
Ellena laughed humorously. “You just can’t help yourself, can you?”
