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He peeled the quilt back slowly, so slowly, revealing a thin, bruised body sheathed in clinging ivory lace The nightdress bunched around her s stuck out from beneath the lacy hem

He touched her calf She felt the warer on her skin "Would you like to walk?like before?"

She looked up at him Some part of her mind wanted to answer, but she couldn't remember what to say Then she couldn't remember what he'd asked

He threaded his fingers through hers, provided her with the anchor of his presence and gently pulled her forward Her back arched, and her heavy, heavy head fell back At the movement, pain shot into her skull

Sheher eyes shut

He was beside her instantly, holding her, stroking the swollen side of her face, his arly around her shoulders "It's okay Breathe deeply, relax"

The words spun through her pain-ridden head, less

But it sounded so nice She let his voice wrap around her, soothe her She concentrated on that, only that, until the painache That, she could live with

Letting out a sigh of relief, she opened her eyes, and found herself in his arms

"All better? Nod if you're better"

She frowned What was nod?

He touched her chin, held it in a soft grip, and forced her head up slowly, then down "Nod," he said, repeating the gesture until she understood

"Now, do you feel better?"

Hesitantly, staring up at him for approval, she nodded