Page 18 of Blade

“We don’t care if they out us. We just want you safe,” Tinsley said,wrapping her tiny body around mine.

“I don’t know if any of you keep your kink life quiet, but he would out you, and that’s not something I want to happen to any of you.”

“You let us worry about that, okay? You just worry about getting better,” Elliot said.

I peeked up to look at Blade and he looked murderous. He was also grinding his teeth together. Slowly, I lifted my hand to stroke his face. “Are you okay?”

He chuckled. “Am I okay?”

I nodded.

“You have gone through something I’ve only seen in cult documentaries, and you’re worried about me?”

I nodded again.

“You’re too good for this world, darlin’.”

***

“Hey, sweet girl,” Blade whispered the next morning.

I rubbed my eyes and turned to look out the windows. It was still very early, judging by the darkness outside.

He rubbed my belly softly. “I have to leave and go take care of some things, but I’ll be back by dinner today, okay?”

“Are you going to work?” I asked. I hoped so, he’d missed yesterday already. I’d learned Leland was his boss and even though he seemed really nice, I didn’t want Blade to get in trouble because of me.

“No, baby, I just have to take care of some business. Rogue is on her way and Tyler and Elliot are awake upstairs. Hit the red button if you need them, okay?” he said, pointing to the button on my bed rail.

I nodded and Blade bent and kissed my forehead. “Sleep good, Little one.” He pulled the cover back over me and tucked me in tight. “Make sure you drink your water too. We want to flush all the yuckies out of your system.”

“I promise.”

“Good girl,” he said, making my kitty throb. “I’ll see you later, I promise.”

He turned to go, but I stopped him.

“Blade?”

“Yes, darlin’?” He turned around and closed the space between us. I loved how patient he was with me.

“Can I have a hug before you go?”

“You can always have a hug, Eloise.” He helped me sit up and gave me a big bear hug. His hugs felt like he was trying to love all the pieces of you back together. I took a moment to enjoy the sensation and the smell of him. I would need it when I left.

“Have a good day,” I said, releasing him and swallowing the lump in my throat.

“You too. See you tonight, sweet girl.”

But I knew he wouldn’t. I would be long gone by then.

***

Blade

I pulled my truck into Bash’s driveway and he hopped in before I’d even come to a full stop.

“Eager much?” I teased, but hell, I was eager too.

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