Page 51 of Savagely Yours
“Our retribution, Dez. You and me, we’re in this together.”
I slid her fingers between mine. “Always, Tapley. Always.”
CHAPTER TEN
LARKE
I didn’t know how long I’d been drifting in and out of sleep, but each time my eyes opened, I gained more clarity about my surroundings.
Also, every single time, Dez was there.
Not once did I wake up alone, whether it was as sunlight entered the room through the large windows to my left, or candlelight cast dancing shadows against the walls.
Tonight, three flickering flames lit the dark bedroom. My mouth felt like I fell asleep with cotton balls tucked into each cheek. I was sure my eyes had lost all their moisture to my pillowcase, and my muscles were sore and tight.
Dez was asleep beside me on the bed, wearing a pair of uniform pants and a black tank with one arm out, as if he’d fallen asleep while taking it off.
I called his name.
A weak, pitiful moan came out instead.
Still, he startled awake, his head snapping back and forth as he gathered his bearings before turning in my direction.
I tried again.
The second time was no better.
“Water,” he said, rising to his feet. “Dr. Lin said you might wake up with a dry mouth. I’ll be right back, okay? I swear. Two minutes.”
He left.
Had I been counting, I probably wouldn’t have gotten to thirty seconds by the time he returned, glass in hand.
I tried to sit up.
“Wait, Tapley.” He set the glass on the bedside table. “Let me help you.”
He coaxed me upward with one hand cupping the back of my head and neck. Then, he sat and leaned me against his chest. The moment our bodies touched, I wanted to go back to sleep. Had I the energy, I would have turned, wrapped my arms around him, and slept for days.
“Ready for the water?” he asked.
I nodded.
He retrieved the glass and brought it to my lips. “Sip. I know you. Take your time. If it takes you hours to finish this glass, it’ll just have to take you hours to finish this glass.”
I smiled as best as I could.
And I sipped.
Water dribbled down my chin, but he wiped it away with his fingers. Something didn’t feel quite right down below, so I tried to move the sheets to check, but my arms were too heavy.
“Dez?”
He wiped water from the corner of my mouth with his thumb. “Yeah, babe?”
I tipped my head toward my legs.
“Is it pain?” he asked.
