Page 14 of Matthias's Protective Embrace
After a few seconds of wiggling, Frank manages to get his hands free to take the mug from me. He sniffs it and wrinkles his nose.
“Not a fan of chamomile?”
“I—I don’t think I’ve ever had it before.”
“Well, if you hate it, I’ll only make you drink a little. This is the best way to help warm you up.” The internet warned against doing anything drastic right away, like sticking him in a hot bath. Apparently, warming up too quickly is a bad thing. As is doing it too slowly. I’m shooting for a happy medium.
Frank takes a tentative sip, then a few more.
“Good?”
“It tastes like grass.”
I bark out a laugh.
“But it’s fine. Thank you.”
I don’t think he really wants to thank me, but at least he has good manners. I let him sip for a bit. His eyes close in between sips, and I wonder again if he might’ve hit his head. “Do you remember what happened?” I ask when the color in his cheeks starts to return.
“Happened?” His big green eyes stare at me, blinking a few times.
“You were asleep. Against the fence. I don’t think that’s where you intended to spend the night.” At least I really hope not. A knot twists in my stomach. Did he sleep out there before avoiding whatever issues waited for him at home? Or maybe even without a home?
“I’m sorry.” He lowers the mug into his lap. Or at least to the pile of blankets covering his lap.
“No need to be sorry.” I wave him off.
“I was so tired while I was putting things away. Then I ended up on the ground and thought I’d close my eyes.” He stares into the nearly empty mug. “Just for a second.”
If the bitter cold and various noises as people came home from work didn’t wake him, he must have been exhausted.
“Any reason why you’re so tired?” We’ve all been known to doze off in weird spaces, but he’d have to be beyond tired to make that choice. A better one would’ve been to sleep in his car. At least it’d be a bit warmer. And safer.
“You’re growling.”
I clear my throat. The thought of him being so recklesswith his safety and well-being brings out the controlling asshole in me.
“I haven’t been sleeping well.”
That’s clearly not the full story. My instincts tell me to push him into providing more answers. Hell, if he was my boy… but he’s not. “You need to keep warming up.” I nudge the mug, encouraging him to keep drinking, hoping it will create a distraction for both of us.
“I’m fine. Really. By the time I get home, I’ll be all better.”
“No.” I flinch at the force in my word. “No,” I say, softer this time.
“What do you mean no?” Frank’s face is full of confusion, not fear, over my outburst.
“I can’t let you leave until I’m sure you’re okay.”
“That sounds a lot like kidnapping.” He grins a bit, his personality thawing out with the rest of him.
“It’s not.” Mostly. “Now that you’ve had some tea, you can take a bath.” It’s not a question.
“A bath? Can’t I take a shower?” He wraps the blankets a little closer as a shiver wracks his body. Yeah, he’s getting a bath. And a snack. And anything else I can think of that might help. I might need to check the internet again.
“It’ll be good for you. I’ll go start it. You rest here until I come to get you.”
I rush to the bathroom. Yes, I want to be sure he’s okay. It’s what any reasonable person would do. Am I holding him hostage? A little bit. I turn on the water in my tub. He could use one of the guest baths, but none of them have a soaking tub. It’s about his comfort, not about having him in my space. Using my things. At least that’s the story I’m going with.
