Page 94 of Lost and Stolen Gods
“No, I think it’s about more than that. Your strength was revealed, remember.”
Crap. I’d failed to consider that as a factor. “Do you think they’ll try again?”
“I don’t know. But you’ll be well protected, I assure you.”
“By who? Araz made it clear he was done with me.”
Pashim winced. “You heard that?”
“Yes.”
“Then you must also have heard that he asked me to look after you, and I will.”
“You’ve done more than enough to help me already.”
“I can do more.” His sapphire gaze burned a path across my face. “Will you let me?”
My mouth was suddenly dry because I knew whathe was asking for, and I couldn’t deal with this right now. “Will you take me to the grading? I want to be there to support the others.”
There it was again, the shadow of disappointment, but he covered it quickly with a smile. “Of course. I’ll have some food sent up. You haven’t eaten in days. You need to get your strength up.”
“What I need is a shower.”
“You’re too weak to stand unaided.”
“I’m fine.” I threw back the sheets, realized I had no pants on, and quickly covered myself. “Could you turn around please?”
“What if you fall?”
“I’ll be fine.”
He pursed his lips, not on board with my request, but obliged reluctantly.
I climbed off the bed and stood. My legs wobbled, and I let out a yelp as I fell.
He caught me neatly and sat me back on the bed. “I have seen naked legs before, Leela.”
“I know, I just—I feel gross, and I need to shower.”
“It’s late, and everyone is asleep. I can help you.”
My pulse stalled. “What? In the shower?”
“Yes.” He reached over his shoulder and tugged off his shirt, and my stomach flip-flopped all over the place.
“What are you doing?” My voice was a squeak.
“Making this easier for you.”
“By showing me your pecs?”
He chuckled and twisted the shirt. “No. By covering my eyes.” He tied the shirt around his head like a blindfold, and I couldn’t help but be captivated by the play of muscle across his chest and arms. He was truly a work of art. “You can use me as a support.” He lifted the makeshift blindfold so he could see me. “Will that work?”
“You’ll get wet.”
“I can dry off,” he said. “In my own room,” he added quickly. “Will that work?” He held out his hands, and I allowed him to help me up.
If I didn’t accept his help, then I’d have to wait till tomorrow, and I felt too gross to stay like this. “Thank you.”
