“It hasn’t been. But it was also my choice to keep it to myself.” I give her a small smile.
“I guess we all have secrets we don’t want to share.” I nod in response. “Could I meet her?”
Her question startles me; I wasn’t expecting her to ask that. But with the way my heart warms, I realize it’s something I want. “You’d want to?” I ask, not wanting to put any pressure on her.
“I would.” She smiles.
“Okay, yeah. I’d like that.” I grin back.
We’re quiet for a moment as we stare at each other until I raise my free hand and grab onto hers that’s still resting against my cheek. I turn my head to the side and delicately press my lips to the inside of her wrist. She watches me closely, not saying a word, not pulling away.
“Nathan and I, we’re really just friends,” she starts, and I’m not sure why she’s telling me this, but I appreciate her trying to clear it up.
“We do hook up every week or so, but it’s nothing more than that. I had forgotten we made plans last night, and when he showed up, Aubrey let him in. When he found me balled up in bed, he refused to leave and stayed with me until morning. But that’s all that happened.”
“Okay.” I’m not sure what else to say, but I’m glad to know he’s not her boyfriend.
“Your savior is finally back!” Gabe calls just as he enters the bathroom. “And I’ve brought the cure.” He lifts the bottle in his hand with a smile.
I let go of Veronica’s wrist and untangle our hands as he steps forward and kneels down beside her. He opens the bottle and hands her a pill along with a water bottle. “Here, Vixen. Take this and drink a lot of water. It will help. How are you doing now?” He strokes her hair once she’s taken the pill and bottle from him, and I notice she doesn’t tense at his touch.
“I’m feeling better already, thank you. The bath really helped.” She gives him a warm smile.
“Glad to hear it. I also bought a few things to make lunch. All anti-inflammatory foods, as well as decaf coffee and tea. So finish up here while I make us something to eat, then we’re gonna sit down and watch a movie while you apply a heating pad on your stomach.”
“Why decaf?” she asks.
“Because caffeine and any fatty foods make your cramps worse. They cause bloating and inflammation,” he informs her.
“Shit. I gave her a coffee this morning, and the breakfast I got her probably wasn’t the healthiest either.” I drag my hand down my face.
“You what?” He glares at me.
“Hey, it’s not his fault, I didn’t even know that, but it explains a lot. They always did seem to get worse after eating or drinking.” She places her hand on his arm that continues to play through her hair.
“Well, not to worry anymore. We’ll take care of you from now on.” He leans over and kisses her forehead. “Take all the time you need. And when you’re ready, come downstairs.” He stands and leaves.
“Do you want to stay in here a little longer?” I ask her once we’re alone.
“No, I think I’m okay to get out. Plus, the water is getting a bit cold.”
“Okay, do you need help getting out?”
I stand and go to reach for her, but instead, she takes my hand and pulls herself up with a slight groan. She seems a lot better, but I can tell she’s still not at her best. She stands straight before me and slowly steps out of the bath, her naked body nowcompletely exposed to me once more.
“Fuck, Veronica.” I let go of her hand and turn around, quickly grabbing a towel and passing it to her. She’s clearly very comfortable with herself.
“You undressed me, Casanova. But this is too much?” She raises a brow when I look back at her.
She doesn’t even have the towel wrapped around her and instead wipes herself down with it. I find myself gazing at her as she rubs it down her arms, then over her small breast and down her slim stomach. I usually prefer a girl with a big ass and tits, but Veronica is special. Despite not having many curves, she’s still extraordinarily beautiful.
“Shit.”
I snap out of my gazing state and find her looking at the towel after having wiped down her long legs. “What’s wrong? Are you in pain again?” I go to reach for her, but she straightens and takes a step back, clutching the towel.
“I…” She sighs. “I’m bleeding…”
“What?” I look around, expecting a cut or something. It isn’t until I reach her legs that I spot a small trickle of blood sliding down her thigh.Oh.
