Page 141 of Rome: The Ballerina

The combination of flavors left me dumbfounded. The peppery steak. The garlic potatoes. The vinegared green beans.

I chewed until everything was soft enough to swallow. Little by little, I pushed it down my throat.

“Here.”

One bite at a time…

Slowly…

Gently…

Patiently…

Softly…

Saint fork-fed me like a six-month old having solids for the first time. The richness of the moment added three whole years to this lifetime.

“Here.”

It wasn’t a fork full of food.

“Mmmm.”

I pressed my lips against Saint’s. My plate was empty. I’d happily cleaned it with his assistance.

“Come on,” he said, patting my leg, “Let me get you in the bath. I’ll clean this up after I get you undressed and in the water.”

A shower wouldn’t suffice. Saint knew exactly what I needed. He’d pushed his body to the extreme enough times to have experienced the rejection I was feeling.

“Thank you.” I sighed.

He paused, planting his body back in the seat he’d just gotten up from. He pulled my hands into his and summoned my orbs with his.

“Don’t do that, Mellow. Don’t thank me for doing exactly what I’m supposed to do. Save your applause for when I really, really knock this shit out of the fucking park. Caring for youwhile you’re feeling even the slightest bit of discomfort is the very least I can do for you.

“I would expect the same from you. That’s what we both signed up for that night on that rooftop. I haven’t forgotten it, and I won’t let you either.”

He brought the back of my hand to his mouth.

“Come on. You look exhausted.”

I nodded. “Because I am,” I admitted, just as a yawn spread my lips apart.

Saint released my hand and stood up again. This time, he didn’t wait for me to stand. He leaned over and scooped me out of the chair. My arm pressed against his chest, following my head.

The safest place.

The safety and security Saint’s presence offered with Teddy being away and the changes in my family’s dynamic was immeasurable. He was quickly becoming the stability I once loved and depended on.

“I love you, woman,” he whispered, kissing my forehead. “Having you here was the best, sweetest surprise ever.”

“Yeah?”

“Damn right. I was already over here trying to figure out what excuse I was going to use to get my ass to your crib. Then, I thought, I don’t need an excuse. I’m just popping up at her shit. Flowers and food in-hand. Your rehearsal nearly starved me to death. My stomach was touching my back. Had to make something shake. Whip it up in my kitchen.”

“It was good, baby.”

“Appreciate that, love. Now that I’ve fed you, I’m going to clean you and then put you to sleep.”

---