“I’m not an invalid, Wolfe.”
“You are injured. You’re recovering from a gunshot wound, fever, and a bout of diarrhea. And you were already likely rundown before all of that.”
“I can still get in and out of a bath on my own.”
“Obviously not, since you slipped and hurt yourself.”
Damn it. Another good point.
“I just think I should be doing things for myself and not relying on you guys so much.”
“Why?” he asked as he pressed down on her knee.
She hissed in a breath. “Because I’m an adult.”
“Says who?”
“Says everyone.”
“Then everyone is an idiot. Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you have to do it all on your own. You know I’d likely be a recluse without Aleki and Caleb. A man isn’t a lone mountain. Neither is a woman. Especially not you.”
“Why especially not me?” Because she was weak and a coward?
“Because you have us,” he told her. “Because you are precious to us. And we will do whatever we have to in order to keep you safe.” He placed his hands on the countertop on either side of her. It was then she realized she was naked. Naked and wet. Holy crap. It was so warm in here, she hadn’t felt chilled. But she couldn’t move away. Not now. Not with him pressed against her, her legs on either side of his hips.
“I want to know who hurt you. Then I’m going to make sure they never do it again. I’ll slay all your demons, your tormentors. Let me stand between you and your nightmares.”
Tears dripped down her face. “You don’t think me a coward, for letting you fight my battles?”
“A coward? You? I wish you were less brave. I wish I could wrap you in bubble wrap and hide you away from everyone. You are no coward. You’re courageous. But I will let you in on something it took me a long time to learn.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s okay to ask for help.”
She nodded, tears streaming down her face. He looked slightly unsure at her sign of emotion. “Sorry, could you hand me a tissue?”
He paused then nodded. “Yes, a tissue. That’s what’s needed.”
Poor Wolfe. He was saying all the right things. For once. And she was turning into a blubbery mess on him.
“Sorry, you’re just being so sweet. And I’m a bit emotional. I’ll control myself soon.”
“You don’t need to control yourself.”
“But you don’t like when I cry.”
“Beca
use you’re upset. And because I’m not good at knowing how to react. Comforting someone isn’t my strength. That’s when I ask Aleki and Caleb for help.” He gave her a pointed look as he returned with a tissue.
“I get your point.”
“Good.” Instead of handing her the tissue, he started to wipe her face. He was a bit rough, but she didn’t object, knowing this was foreign territory for him.
“These next few weeks, you don’t have to worry about anything. Well, except for pleasing us.” He looked satisfied at that thought and she rolled her eyes.
“And what about me? Will you please me?”