Page 91 of Before and After

He glanced at the windows and blinked. “I slept.”

He’d slept soundly wrapped around me. I smiled.

His dark gaze snagged on my eye and his face darkened.

I winced. “How bad is it?”

“It’s bruised.” His thumb touched the corner of my eye. “It could’ve been worse.”

“It wasn’t.” I let my hands explore his chest and felt his muscles flex. “I’m okay.” Then I glanced at the clock on my nightstand. I sat bolt upright. “Crap, I need to get Ollie. I promised I’d collect him from Emily’s and we’d have breakfast together before school and work.” I scrambled out of bed. “I need to shower, dress, then hide the worst of this bruising.”

I’d barely gone two steps when strong arms closed around me from behind. Caden rested his chin on my shoulder. Then I was distracted by a hard, naked body pressed against mine.

“Relax. You aren’t working today.”

“What?”

“Strict orders. You’re to rest and recover.”

“I’m fine?—”

“And Tessa sent instructions to rest up, and be ready for the Spooktacular tonight.” He smoothed my hair back. “She wanted to come and see you this morning, but I assured her that I was taking care of you.”

My heart melted. “Caden…”

“I’ll take you to get Ollie, then make breakfast for all of us, then we can drop him to school.”

I tilted my head up. “You cook?”

“Not often, but I can.”

I licked my lips. “You’re staying with me today?”

“Yeah.”

“Playing bodyguard?”

“Yes, I’m not leaving you alone today.” He paused. “You also need to talk with the police. Tell them what happened.”

I swallowed. “It was the ESG who did this, wasn’t it?”

“Pretty damn sure, but we have no proof. You need to be careful. What those men did to you…it was a warning.”

I looked into his face. “You’re going to stop them.”

“I am.” He brushed his lips over mine. “But today, you’re my priority. And your nephew. Now, shower, and I’ll make coffee.”

I kind of floated through my shower. It was nice knowing someone else was here, someone helping out.

I quickly dried off and dressed in my favorite jeans and red sweater. Then I did the best I could with some makeup. I poked my tongue out at myself. My eye was still obviously bruised, but it didn’t look quite as bad now. I really didn’t want Ollie to worry.

When I walked out into the living room, Caden was leaning against the island, sipping a mug of coffee.

“What should I tell Ollie about this bruise?” Somehow, Caden made my compact kitchen look tiny.

“Tell him the truth.”

“Caden, he’s five.”