Page 46 of Brutal Mercy

“You’ve got a point. I’ll make sure you have crutches starting tomorrow. But for tonight, I’ll carry you in.”

I start to lift my arms as the bedroom door opens, and Gabriella, the maid, hastens inside with a tablecloth. She doesn’t say anything, just nods at Hades in acknowledgment and heads toward the small dining table by the fireplace.

“What’s this?” I ask after she covers the table and leaves.

“We didn’t have a proper courtship. And I intend to remedy that. Would you like a bath as well?”

I perk up at the thought of finally being clean. It’s been days since I had a shower. Days! And I began to worry that I smelled between the forced run and the sex. I nod. “Yes.”

Hades hefts me into his arms. I’ll miss this once my ankle is healed. He holds me like I’m precious to him. I’m sure his overprotectiveness will wear off in a few days, but I’m enjoying the attention while it lasts. Because he lays the care on thick. And for a lonely girl with far too much responsibility on my plate, the way he’s assumed command is everything I didn’t know I needed.

He helps me onto the toilet and then heads over to the tub, where he gets the water running.

“I’ll be back in just a minute to help you get in.”

While he steps out, I take care of business and flush. He waltzes back in and helps me stand, then undress. He helps me hobble over to the tub and sits me on the ledge, where he kneels and undoes the bandage about my ankle.

Staring at his silvering hair, I blurt, “Thank you.”

A smile curves his lips, and his blue eyes exude warmth. “For what?”

I cup his face. “For saving me. For taking care of me. It’s been a long time since anyone went to the trouble.”

His eyes heat. He grips my arm and presses a kiss against the inside of my wrist. “It’s my pleasure, wife.” He shuts the tap off and then lowers me into the tub.

“Rest. There are supplies I thought you might like to use on the ledge there.”

I glance at the bottles with brand names I’ve only seen in magazines. “Who do they belong to?”

“They were items my sister had on hand. We can pick up the products you prefer in a few days. This stuff should work in the meantime. Or I can have my sister visit with her computer and help you order whatever you want.”

“Whatever I want, huh? Do I have a spending limit?” He can’t be real. When Diego attacked me, I must have hit my head harder than I imagined. Maybe I’m really passed out in the mountains somewhere with a concussion, trapped in a dreamworld.

He lifts a brow with a half smile teasing his lips. “Do you need one? It won’t bother me if you want to drop a few grand on supplies. In fact, I insist. I know we’ve got the boxes of your things down in storage. And once you’re mobile, you can certainly pull out the things you want. But you’re going to need a new wardrobe anyway. And I’ll get you credit cards and those things soon.”

“A few grand? On bath products?” Now I know he’s yanking my chain. I’ve never bought any high-end products. I’m more the what does the grocery store have on sale kind of girl when it comes to things like shampoo and conditioner. Being on a strict budget ain’t for the faint of heart.

Is he for real?

“Well, yeah. You realize I’ve got money, right? You don’t need to work another day in your life if you don’t want to. And whatever you want and need, it’s yours.”

It boggles my mind. He talks about thousands like normal, everyday folks do a handful of twenties. Like it’s no big deal.

“But I don’t want you spending all your money on me. I don’t need much.” I am used to stretching pennies.

“You will. As my wife, there’s a certain appearance we must present to the world. And I don’t want you to worry about it. If there’s something you want, I’ll buy it for you. Money won’t be a problem for you going forward.”

“Oh. I didn’t consider that. The world you live in is night and day from what I’m used to.”

“It is, but I like my world with you in it. Lean back and relax. I’ll come get you in a bit.” He leans in and kisses me briefly before he leaves me alone. I sigh, leaning back. My body is enveloped in warmth. There’s nothing a hot bath or shower can’t fix. But it’s not lost on me that he treats me like handspun glass. At least until he’s fucking me. And then he’s wild as a thunderstorm.

Why is he so good to me? Why has he done all this? He can’t really be all that bad. I know he’s told me he is, but his actions tell me he’s not a bad man.

Before the water has a chance to cool, I shampoo my hair twice. Whatever this stuff is, it’s downright luxurious and has a delicious, fruity floral scent. And the conditioner makes my hair feel like silk. The body wash smells like honeysuckle and must be loaded with good stuff, because it makes my skin flower petal soft.

He wants me to spend money on whatever I want. How is this my life? How did I wind up this lucky? In my most desperate hour, he saved me. And I hate that I don’t fully trust my good fortune. I worry that the other shoe will drop when I’m not on guard.

When I hear the door open, I lift my eyes. He waltzes inside, carrying a black dress and some other items. In the time he’s been gone, he removed his tie and rolled up the sleeves of his dress shirt.

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