Page 104 of Retaliation

She paused, her eyes meeting his. The resistance in her gaze was overshadowed by exhaustion.

“I’ve got it,” she grunted, her tone as stubborn as ever.

He nodded, respecting her need to do this on her own, even though he hated every second of it. He knew she was pushing herself too hard, but trying to stop her would be like trying to cage a storm.

As she switched to a different exercise, the silence between them thickened. His thoughts churned, a whirlpool of worry and admiration. She was a force of nature, but even the strongest forces could break.

He set his coffee down, crossing the room to stand beside her. Without a word, he placed a hand on her back, just below her shoulder blade, offering silent support. She tensed for a moment, then leaned into his touch. It wasn’t much, but it was enough. For now.

Her movements grew slower, more deliberate, each rep a battle against the pain that lanced through her body. He watched her, his heart a tangled knot. The lines of her face, usually so fierce and defiant, showed cracks of helplessness. He wished he could take her pain, absorb it into himself, but all he could do was stand there, watching her struggle.

“Let me help,” he said again.

She glanced at him, eyes narrowed, the fire in them dim but not extinguished.

“I need to do this. I need to get stronger.”

He nodded, understanding the unspoken words. This wasn’t just about physical strength. It was about reclaiming a piece of herself that he had taken away from her. He stepped back, giving her space, but stayed close enough to catch her if she faltered.

She moved into another set of exercises, her body trembling with effort. He clenched his fists, the urge to help almost overwhelming. She was a warrior, but even warriors needed rest. He admired her tenacity, but it tore at him to see her like this.

“Take a break,” he urged softly.

She shook her head, sweat dripping from her brow. “Not yet. I’m almost done.”

He exhaled, frustration mingling with a fierce protectiveness. She pushed herself to the edge, and he feared one day she might go too far. He knew better than to argue, though. Her will was iron, and once she set her mind to something, nothing could deter her.

Minutes stretched into an eternity. His mind raced with memories of the fight, the brutal blows, the moment she fell. Watching her now, he vowed silently that he would never let her face such danger alone again. She was his world, and he would protect her, even if it meant standing on the sidelines, ready to catch her when she needed him.

But he couldn’t stay on the sidelines; he needed her to rest and take the time needed to heal. Stepping closer, he scooped her into his arms. Her heat against his body had quickly become his comfort and strength.

“It’s time for your break,” he murmured, his voice filled with a tenderness he rarely allowed himself to show.

She smirked, arching an eyebrow. “What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m getting you cleaned up,” he answered with a crooked smile.

“We talked about this,” She answered his smile with one of her own, and fuck, it made his cock twitch. “I am completely capable of walking by myself.”

He met her gaze, unwavering. “Humor me.”

As he carried her to the bathroom, she playfully tapped his chest.

“You know, I’m not some damsel in distress. I do have the basic human skills of a five-year-old, making me able to wash myself.”

He chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. “I know you can. But maybe I just like having an excuse to take care of you and see you naked.”

She rolled her eyes but didn’t protest further. He set her down on the bathtub’s edge. She leaned back, watching him with amusement and curiosity.

He turned on the water, adjusting the temperature until steam began to fill the room. He glanced back at her, his heart clenching at the sight of color returning to her skin.

Her bruises had healed to a faint yellow, a constant reminder of what he had done. But seeing her now, with her blushed cheeks and determination in her eyes, it made him want to claim her on and against every possible surface.

He hadn’t allowed it to happen since the fight. No matter how much his body, his whole being craved to touch her, to kiss and explore every inch of her perfect body. Fuck, he didn’t even know if she still wanted him in that way.

“Let’s get you cleaned up,” he said through a clenched jaw, trying to keep his voice steady.

She tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

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