Page 34 of Lock

The only way I can get it in Cromwell is through Doc, and clearly, that’s not happening.

The only thing I can control is myself. No condoms, no sex.

Liar.

I may not remember our nightly activities, but even in the light of day, I know that in the moment, I won’t say no. I won’t want to.

By the time Doc comes home, Riley has wandered off to her room, leaving me to prepare dinner. The low tones of the radio distract me from my thoughts.

The thud of my knife hitting the chopping board mixes with my humming. In a world of my own, I don’t realize I’m no longer alone until large hands slide around my waist while a solid kiss is pressed to the crown of my head.

I jump, letting out a scream. My fright quickly turns to pain. Dropping the knife, I hiss. Bright red blood pools in the slit in my forefinger.

“Fuck, I’m sorry,” Leo rushes out.

Gripping my wrist, he pulls me over to the sink.

“Let me see.”

My hand shakes, adrenaline leaving my body quickly now that I know I’m not being murdered.

“I thought you were some weird serial killer,” I admonish.

Leonard’s lips twitch at my words, but his focus stays on his examination of my wound.

“It’s not too deep,” he whispers, turning on the tap.

Knowing what comes next, I try to pull away, but his grip holds steady.

“It’ll hurt,” I practically whine.

“It needs cleaning,” he explains.

Still pulling my hand away from the running water, I shake my head.

Leo sighs.

Thinking I’ve won, I smile, but it slips away the minute Doc raises my finger to his mouth. His tongue is warm and soothing against the cut. My finger leaves his mouth with a pop.

That should not be this hot.

“That’s disgusting.” I huff, but even I can hear the desire in my voice.

Am I always that husky?

Chuckling, Leo slips the digit into his warm mouth again. My eyes flutter as his tongue caresses my injury. Who knew being clumsy could have its perks?

Completely distracted by the way my body has reacted, I don’t fight as my hand is placed under the water.

“Keep your finger there,” he orders.

I just blink up at him, completely dazed as he moves about the kitchen to collect the first-aid kit.

After wrapping my finger with a pink dinosaur Band-Aid, Doc declares, “All sorted.”

“Thanks,” I whisper.

Biting my bottom lip, I turn to the cutting board, clear it off, and grab another from the cupboard. Stepping back to the kitchen island, I find Leonard waiting with a fresh knife.