Red Moon Rising(41)
He winced and tightened his arms around her. “I should not have said that little one. I was angry and worried and I did not mean it. Truly I did not. Please forgive me for saying it.”
“You were right.” She whispered. “You should have left me to die that day. I nearly got Evan killed.”
“No!” He shook her lightly, his face paling when she flinched. “I’m sorry honey. Evan told us what happened. He told us how he followed you without you knowing. He said that you told him to shift and run while you fought with the faeries.”
He stopped and swallowed hard. “He – he told us how you attacked them to try and give him time to escape.”
He stroked her back. “You were so brave little one.”
She laughed bitterly. “No, I wasn’t. I was desperate and scared to death. I was terrified that Evan would die.”
“He didn’t.”
“He almost did and you hate me for it. I can’t stand that you hate me now.” She closed her eyes as tears dripped down her face.
“I don’t hate you Bree.” He whispered.
“You do. I know you do.” She replied softly.
“I swear I do not. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.” He could feel panic rising in his chest and, not knowing what else to do, he pressed his mouth against hers in a soft and gentle kiss.
She immediately kissed him back, and he cupped her face and kissed away the tears on her cheeks. “I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”
“Yes.” She whispered. He wanted to kiss her again but she licked her lips and struggled to sit up. “I’m very thirsty.”
“Stay here. I’ll get it for you.” He threw back the covers and tugged his pants on before crossing the room. He brought back a glass of water for her and helped her sit up, tucking the pillow behind her.
She inhaled sharply at the pressure on her back, and he gave her a worried look. “How do you feel Bree?”
She took a drink of water. “Tired mostly. My back hurts a little.”
“Are you hungry?” Before she could reply, he had left the bed and come back with the tray of food Laura had left while they were sleeping.
“I am not very hungry my lord.” She looked out the window. The sun was setting, and she felt a weary sort of gladness that she would live to see another sunrise.
“Eat just a little.” He urged. “Some bread and cheese at least. It will help you regain your strength.”
Too tired to argue, she nibbled at the bread and the cheese he handed to her. “You should eat as well my lord.”
“James.” He frowned at her. “You’re to call me James.”
“Eat James.”
He grinned a little at her cheeky tone and picked up a piece of bread.
* * *
Bree leaned her head against James’ shoulder. After eating, he had wrapped the quilt around her and carried her to the bathroom. She could hear his family talking and laughing as they ate dinner, and she gave him a timid look as he carried her back towards his room.
“You should take me to the guest room and then go be with your family. I’m just tired now. I’m sure I’ll feel better in the morning.”
He shook his head as he opened the door to his bedroom. “No, little one. You’re staying in my room tonight.”
She gave him a cautious look. “I will not leave in the night James. I promise.”
“I know you won’t. But you’re not fully healed yet Bree. You need to sleep with me tonight.”
She blushed as he slipped her under the sheet and took his pants off before joining her.
He gave her a reassuring smile. “I’m just going to hold you. I promise I won’t do anything else. Turn on to your side so I can look at your back.”
She turned on to her side obediently and James inspected her back carefully. The swelling had started to go down, but the wound still had not healed over.
“How does it look?” She asked quietly.
“Better. Much better.” He kissed her back lightly and she shivered.
“Sorry little one.”
He lay down beside her and spooned her, pulling her body tightly against his. He put his arm around her waist and rubbed her abdomen in small circles. He wanted to cup her small breast but he had promised her he would do nothing but hold her. His cock was already starting to stir from being so close to her, and he groaned inwardly. He would not be able to hold her like this much longer. He cursed his weakness and casually moved his pelvis away from her.
“Are you tired?”
She nodded and he rubbed her thigh in what he hoped was a soothing manner. “Go to sleep my love.” He whispered as he moved his pelvis further away.