Page 50 of Make Me Trust Again
A shudder goes through her body. “Th-thank you. I think I?—”
“If you finish that sentence the way I think you will, I swear I’ll strangle you.”
Rose lets out a shaky breath. “You’re so bossy.”
A tremor runs through her body, goosebumps rising on her skin.
I grunt my acknowledgment. “Get in the shower, Rose.”
Sighing in defeat, she does as she’s told. Her steps are slow, muscles stiff as she puts one leg in front of the other. I keep my eyes on her, making sure she’s steady as she gets under the lukewarm spray.
She sucks in a sharp breath at the first touch of cool water on her skin. Goosebumps spread over her flesh, but she doesn’t try to pull back. I grab the showerhead, running the water over her. From the corner of my eye, I can see the small droplets of water sliding down her body.
“Turn around,” I instruct; the words a low rumble.
Rose does as asked. Her eyes are closed, teeth sinking into her lower lip. Her cheeks are still red, a few strands curling around her face.
Putting my hand under the spray, I lift it to her face and cup her cheek.
Rose’s lip pops out of her hold, color rushing into the slightly chapped lip as her eyelids flutter open.
Neither of us says anything as I run my finger over her cheekbone. Her head tilts slightly, nuzzling into my touch as those big blue eyes watch me.
I suck in a sharp breath, unable to look away.
It’s like she’s holding me hostage with her gaze.
I’m not sure how long we stay like that. Eyes locked. Water cascading over her. My thumb sliding over her warm cheek.
She shivers slightly, her lips parting.
Shaking my head at myself, I turn off the water and put the showerhead in place as I take a step back. The water is drippingfrom my wet clothes onto the tiles, but I ignore it as I grab a big fluffy towel hanging on the rack. Walking back to the shower, I wrap it around Rose just as another shudder rocks her body.
“Cold?”
“A l-little,” she coughs out.
“I’ll go and grab some fresh clothes.”
Slipping out of the bathroom, I go to the bedroom, navigating the dark space to the dresser. I rummage through it until I find the first clean tee and underwear.
As I get out, I spot Kyle and Shadow entering the house. He looks around until his gaze lands on mine. “Where is my mom?”
“Bathroom. She’s not feeling well.”
Kyle’s eyes turn wide, and I curse myself for not phrasing it differently so as not to scare him. “What’s wrong with her?”
“She has a fever, but she took some medicine, and she’ll be better once she gets some rest. Why don’t you go to the kitchen, and I’ll be there soon, so we can get you something to eat? What do you say?”
Kyle’s lip wobbles, but he presses them together. “I wanna see her.”
“Once she gets out of the bathroom. Okay?” Crouching down, I bite down as the jab of pain spreads through my leg and into my spine. “Your mom will be fine. She just needs to rest, and she’ll feel like new in no time. I’ll look after her.”
“Promise?” Kyle lifts his pinky.
My throat feels tight as I stare at it.
I’m going to get you home, I promise.
