Page 131 of Saddles

“Dozen?” I croak. “I was thinking two or three?” I glance down at my wrists where fresh pink marks cover the scars beneath.

But these were made in the throes of passion, love, and trust.

It doesn’t bring the same pain into my chest to see them.

“April?” He rolls closer, lifting my knee. “I think you’re bleeding.” He pushes himself off the bed quickly and slides me to the side.

I’d been ignoring the dull ache deep in my belly, but when the pink smear is revealed on the sheet, I start to worry.

Without a pause, Ford fetches his jeans and steps into them. “I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“It’s Christmas. I’m fine.” The pain isn’t awful, only a little worse than a normal energetic round with him.

His piercings do have consequences. I must be a sadist, because they feel too fucking amazing to not want to keep going back for more.

He picks up my shirt and pants and sets them on my lap before his palms frame my face. “Humor me, please?” The pain in his voice has me agreeing and getting dressed.

“You don’t have to worry about Dixon being there. It won’t hurt to get checked, right?” He tugs on his boots and snags his keys from the hook next to the door.

“Easy, tiger.” I take a detour to the bathroom to slip a pantyliner in, just in case.

I can understand why he’s concerned, but I think I’d know if it was critical.

Yet knowing his past, I’ll gladly humor him.

This will be a good story for our kids one day.

That makes me snort.

“Are you okay in there?” A gust of chilly wind works across the tiled floor.

He must have gone out and started the truck.

When I open the door, he’s inches away. “Yes, I am. I was just giggling about this being a funny anecdote to tell our children.”

The worried look fades and the corners of his gray eyes crinkle. “I like the sound of that. A whole passel of ‘em.”

That makes my belly flip flop.

Is this real?

His grip on my fingers never loosens the entire drive to the clinic.

Fortunately, it’s the same doctor who examined me a few weeks ago.

“You have a minor tear. It should heal up in a few days. Did you want me to schedule a replacement?” Dr. Philips soft brown eyes poke above the sheet hanging between my propped legs.

It feels strange having Ford here with me, but in a good way. I like having the comfort of his support.

“No,” we both say in unison.

Her eyebrows raise as she nods. “You’re all set then. Maybe next time go a little easier on her.” Her gloved finger wags at Ford before she snaps them into the garbage.

“Scout’s honor,” he chuckles, then winks at me.

Heat pours through me.

“Better not,” I mouth to him as she leaves.

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