Page 93 of Almost Always

“Raff…you didn’t have to.”

“Of course I did. I hate seeing you in pain, Hero. And if there is anything I could do to ease it, I want to do it.”

She was so in love with this man. “What did you find out?” she asked softly.

“Cold compresses are good, which I found in your freezer. Apparently steam does wonders if your sinuses were triggered.”

“Yup. I’ve used both methods before and they’ve helped.”

He nodded. “Good. Do you know what’s triggering it today?”

“Maybe something I ate.”

“Does this happen often?”

“Once. Spinach made me feel this miserable a few months ago, but nothing since.”

Pursing his lips, he nodded again. “I was thinking maybe a hot bath?”

“You want to get me naked,” she teased.

“Obviously.” He smirked and pushed the covers back. “But also because it could help relax you a little more.”

“I’d love that.”

He leaned over and kissed her forehead. “I’ll set it up. You finish that water and I’ll let you know when it’s ready.”

“Raff,” she said as he slid out of bed. “Thank you.”

“You know I’d do anything for you. You never have to thank me.”

She nodded, blinking back tears as she swallowed down the lump in her throat. He winked and blew another kiss before heading downstairs. After a long moment, she sat up and winced as the pain pinballed in her head, but still reached for her water and finished it. She carefully stood up and stretched, feeling her muscles protesting from the positions she’d curled herself into.

As she climbed down the stairs, wincing at the brightness, Rafferty stepped out of the bathroom in boxers and her core took over all throbbing duties. Because this man—her man—was the most delicious sight. His tattooed arms were strong, his torso lean but solid and not to mention the V at his hips. She licked her lips and swayed as she drank him in.

“Let’s get you out of the bright lights and those clothes,” he said, leading her into the bathroom.

It was dully lit by candles and the faint scent of eucalyptus reached her, instantly calming her down. At the sink, he held out her toothbrush and closed the door. She watched him through the mirror as she brushed her teeth, smiling as he finished filling the large tub. When she was done with her teeth, he was behind her again.

“I’ve got a cold compress for your neck and all the recommended scents to help with the migraine. All you need to do is relax.”

“You’re joining me, right?”

“If you want me to.”

She hummed in response and worked to get her hair up into a bun, but struggled to lift her arms. He took over the job, wrapping it around his hand before rolling it into a ball and setting it on top of her head. It looked tight, but didn’t pull at her scalp.

“You’ll have to teach me that later,” she told him, shocked at how effortlessly he did that.

“Anything for you.”

With a soft kiss to her neck, he helped her out of the tank top and shorts she’d worn to bed and stripped out of his boxers as well. Her eyes widened at the sight of him completely naked and she gasped.

“Jesus, Raff. You want to put that thing inside me?”

“Not when you’re in pain, no. Maybe later.”

She snorted out a laugh and stared at the length and girth of his dick. It was glorious and she was absolutely eager to have him inside her, even if she was sure he’d split her wide open.

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