Page 3 of Bash

Forcing myself upright, I walked across the small room, holding onto the furniture for support. It took my shaking fingers a minute to unlatch the door.

“Eloise?” I gasped. “Are you okay?” Adrenaline filled my body and made my heart race. Why was she here?

“I’m fine, but you don’t look so good,” she said.

“Oh, honey,” Bash said from behind her. I hadn’t even seen him at first. Studying him for clues about why they’d shown upat one of the worst hotels in town, I noticed his brows were drawn tight, as were his lips. I stepped back and allowed them to come inside the small hotel room. “I don’t understand. What’s wrong? Why are you both here?” Was it because I missed work? Were they mad? I grabbed my stomach as another wave of nausea almost drowned me.

“We’re here because you’re sick, Little one. Can you tell me what feels bad?” Bash asked, knotting his brows. He pulled out a chair for me and helped me sit down.

“Everything,” I admitted.

His hands cupped my face and the coolness felt so good to my fevered skin. “Fuck, you’re burning up.” I’d figured as much.

“Do you want me to call Mr. Elliot?” Eloise asked.

I knew Elliot was a friend of the group and that he was a doctor and often made house calls for them. I’d never met him, his Little girl, or their partner, but I’d heard the nicest things about him. One time I’d visited their home when Eloise was being treated for an infection after being shot, but they hadn't been there at the time.

“Yes, tell him to meet me at my house,” Bash said, his eyes not leaving my face.

“Yes, Sir.” She moved toward the back of the room to make the call.

“I can’t go to your house. I’ll get you sick. You two shouldn’t even be here right now,” I argued. My heart pounded in my chest. I couldn’t be a bother to him. I’d already failed him by not working my scheduled shift.

Bash ignored me and knelt beside me. “What hurts, Little one?”

If I hadn't been pink from my fever, he definitely would have noticed the flush on my face. Everything about Bash screamedDaddy.Our group was very open with our interests and we didn’t hide our tendencies around each other. I knew he wasa Daddy Dom and even though he and I had never played together, I knew he’d be a good one. He was so thoughtful and protective with the Littles in his life. He played our silly games and always supported our interests. When he was working the same shift as me, he always made sure I ate and drank my water. I imagined he’d be a very possessive Daddy and that meshed well with my desire to belong to someone. Stupid fucking foster care.

“Allyson, are you with me, honey?”

Realizing my thoughts had drifted, I shook my head to try and clear it, but that hurt and I cried out. Bash surprised me by easing me into his arms and then standing. Even his gentle movements hurt. My muscles complained again and I groaned.

“Shhh, I’m sorry, Allyson.”

“I have her things,” Eloise said. “Mr. Elliot said he would be there at four.”

“Can you take my phone, call my client Peter P. and reschedule him?” Bash asked her.

“Don’t cancel your client! I’ll be fine!” It was getting worse and worse. The list of things I’d done to affect his day was only growing. He was going to hate me after everything was said and done.

“Yes, Sir,” Eloise chirped, ignoring my protests as she did what he asked.

Bash opened the door. “Eloise, walk in front of me, honey, and stay close. I don’t trust this area.”

“Yes, Sir.”

“I can’t leave with you,” I argued. My throat was tight and my eyes burned with unshed tears. He was having to do so much already and as much as I probably needed his help, I wouldn't risk losing him because of it.

“You’re very sick, baby. We’re going to get you feeling all better soon. Try to close your eyes and just rest, okay?”

“Peter said that was fine and I rescheduled him for Saturday at two. Saturday was the only day I remember you having open,” Eloise said.

“Thank you, sweetheart,” Bash answered. “Saturday is fine.”

A sob broke free from my throat and Bash’s deep brown eyes studied mine. “Why are you crying, little one? Does it hurt that much? Maybe we should go to the emergency room.”

“No! It’s not that bad. I’m just causing you so many problems! Please take me back. I promise I’ll be okay.”

“I can’t do that, Allyson. You’re too sick.”

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