I turn back to her. “This is so embarrassing, but is it okay if I take these off? I need to be able to put them on again, and I don’t want them wet. I know Logan’s going to need to check my ribs, and I don’t want him to see... you know.”
I gulp and lose all train of thought. Don’t look, don’t look, I tell myself.
She reaches behind to unsnap her bra, wincing from the movement. I stop her and turn her around. I help her undo the bra and then help her step out of her panties. Her ass is right next to my face, and right now, I want nothing more than to put my lips to her skin and taste her. I jerk up, standing next to her. I’m panting as if I’ve ran a race as I help her into the shower. I follow her in, knowing I can’t just leave her on her own.
Her back is to me, and I reach for the shampoo. “I’m sorry. I only have men’s shampoo and conditioner.”
Her voice is husky. “It’s okay. I don’t care, Walker. I just need to be clean.”
I knew it. I knew what she needed. This is always the first thing someone wants to do when they’ve been through something like this.
I take my time and wash her hair first, rubbing my fingers through her scalp. Her moan is my undoing, and my cock is hard between my legs. It’s fine, I tell myself. It’s an honest reaction, but I’m not going to act on it. I push my hips away from her and wash down her back, her butt, and her legs. I do my best to be professional and not let my hands linger along the way. I stand up and prepare myself for what comes next. “Turn around,” I tell her.
She does, slowly, and when she’s facing me, her eyes wide, I know she’s reacting to my touch. The pulse at her neck is thumping so hard. Her body is trembling even in the warmth of the heated water.
I grab another washcloth and wash her face first, gently swiping across her face where her bruises and cuts are. I then move to her neck when her hand goes over mine. “I can do it.”
I swallow thickly. I know I should let her. I’m only supposed to be in here to make sure she doesn’t fall. But I need this, and I think she does too. “Please let me, Brook.”
She doesn’t understand, but she doesn’t stop me. She nods, and then I continue washing her, across her chest, down her stomach, between her thighs, and down her legs. My stroke is soft but thorough. I inspect her ribs, and already there is bruising and swelling. Her thighs and legs are covered in bruises, and I swear there is a handprint on her hip. I shudder inside, wanting to know what happened, but unable to word it. Not yet.
I rinse her off and reach outside the shower for two towels. My cock is hard, painfully hard, but I ignore it. I know she sees it, but I continue on as if there’s nothing happening. I wrap the towel around my waist and then dry her off from head to toe. I pick up the T-shirt I grabbed for her earlier and slide it over her head and down her body and then help her step into her panties.
“I’m sorry, I only have a comb,” I tell her as I pull it through the strands of her hair.
“Isn’t Logan waiting for us?”
I shrug. “He can wait.”
I finish her hair and then help her to my bed, pulling back the covers for her to get in.
“No, I can sleep on the couch.”
“You can sleep here,” I tell her, leaving out the part that I’ll be joining her later. I need her in my arms tonight.
She sits on the bed and then lies back. I pull the covers over her body. “Rest. I’m going to get an update, and then I’ll bring Logan in.”
She can barely hold her eyes open, and I know she’s about to fall asleep. I should probably have Logan check her out, but I know she doesn’t have a concussion, so I’m going to let her rest for a bit. She’s been through a lot for the night, and I want her to breathe for a minute.
I lean down and kiss her forehead. “I’ll be back. Holler if you need me.”
She nods and is drifting to sleep before I get dressed and get to the door.
7
Brook
I wince as I try to roll over in bed. The pain in my side is unbearable if I move a certain way. My head pops up, and suddenly it all comes back to me. The men at the restaurant, the beating, and Walker carrying me in here. A hand covers mine. “How are you feeling?”