Buttons and Grace (Buttons 6)

She stepped under the shower and looked up at me as the water fell down her face. Her hands moved up my chest, exploring the hard muscles underneath her fingertips. She studied me like a mountain climber looking for the perfect grip. “I know you’re tired. I just miss you.”

My hands moved to her hips, and I pressed my forehead to hers. If I could do whatever I wanted, I would lift her up and make love to her right then and there. But until I got her permission, I couldn’t do whatever I pleased. “I don’t want you to miss me. So stay until you don’t.”

Chapter 11

Crow

The medication masked the pain, but I felt weaker than I ever had. My ribs would take time to heal, my leg needed time to regain its strength, my eye was still swollen and purple. If I shifted my body a certain way, my stomach hurt. There were stitches along my abdomen, and I had to make sure I didn’t tear them by moving too quickly.

I hated feeling this way.

I hated feeling so weak.

My family wasn’t in danger, but I liked to be prepared for any eventuality. A hard life had taught me to be ready for anything—especially the unexpected.

The doctor said I was free to go and offered me a wheelchair.

Fuck that. “I’ll walk.”

“You shouldn’t put any weight on that leg for at least two more days,” the nurse said as he engaged the brakes on the wheels.

“I can walk,” I repeated.

Button rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry. He’s very stubborn…”

I rose to my feet in a new pair of clothes Lars had retrieved for me. I wore dark jeans and a black t-shirt, the typical stuff I wore around the house. I felt like myself, but my body wasn’t quite the same. I still felt pain from my left leg, but I didn’t show the grimace on my face. “I’m fine. Let’s go.”

Button gave me a pissed look and pointed to the chair. “Sit down, or I’ll make you.”

I didn’t question the fiery look she gave me. I knew she meant business. She might be half my size, but she could do some serious damage if she wanted. Without raising a fist, she could make me feel like shit with just her words. She was pregnant and terrified for my well-being, so I sucked it up and obeyed.

The nurse winked at her.

* * *

The bottom windows of the house had been repaired. Lars must have taken care of the arrangements, swept up the broken glass, and fixed the window behind the kitchen. It didn’t seem like anyone had been there to kill me.

I walked into the house at a slower pace than I usually moved, but I held myself as straight as ever. All of my bones could be broken, but I’d still find a way to walk like a man.

Lars emerged from the kitchen, back in his tuxedo. “Mr. Barsetti, it’s nice to have you back.”

“It’s nice to be back.”

He stood with his hands behind his back, staring at me with a discreet look of fondness. “Would you like me to prepare lunch? I know you weren’t a fan of the hospital food.” He smiled, teasing me for the slipup I’d had when I was still a little high.

“Lunch would be great, Lars.”

“Perfect. I’ll bring it to your bedroom.”

“I’ll take it in the dining room.”

“No.” Button’s aggressive voice came from behind me. “You’re getting into bed, and you’re staying there until I say otherwise.”

I was so happy to be reunited with my wife, but she was such a major pain in the ass. “I’m not sick.”

“But you aren’t well either.” She turned to Lars. “He’ll take lunch upstairs. I’m gonna get him in the shower first.”

“I can shower on my own,” I snapped. “I’m not helpless.”

“You don’t want to shower with a beautiful, naked woman?” she asked incredulously.

My eyes narrowed on her face. “When you put it that way…”

“Thank you, Lars.” Button grabbed my hand and guided me to the stairs.

“It’s nice to have you back, Your Grace.” Lars gave a swift bow before he walked into the kitchen.

It took me longer than normal to get up the stairs. There were times when I wanted to take a break, but I refused to show weakness in front of Button. I wasn’t trying to protect her, just to show her that nothing could slow me down. I was still the protector I’d always been.

We got into the bedroom, and she started the water. She stripped all of her clothes off then returned to me. She pulled my shirt over my head then worked my jeans.

My eyes were on her tits.

It didn’t matter what we were doing. If her top was off, I thought about sex.

By the time my jeans and boxers were off, I was already hard.