When she saw the size printed on the bra’s tag, Olivia smiled to herself. With Trevor’s movie-star looks, it was no wonder the man was an expert on such things.
To sleep in, Olivia had expected to find a modest pair of pajamas or loose bottoms and a tank top. Instead, what she held in her hands was the most beautiful silk nightgown she’d ever seen.
It was a blush-colored, floor-length gown with a bit of black lace along the sweetheart neckline and spaghetti straps. Having never owned such a beautiful nightgown, she just held it there and stared.
A nightgown like this wasn’t made for someone who’d flop into bed and fall asleep the second she hit the pillow. This was made to be cherished. Touched. It should be worn by someone being loved. Maybe it will be.
Putting the sack—and those hopeful thoughts—aside, Olivia continued to gather the things needed for her shower. Trevor and Derek had thought of everything.
A toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. Shampoo, conditioner, and a hairbrush. A razor and some shaving cream. They’d even gotten her deodorant and a jar of exquisitely-smelling body crème.
So many things that, less than a month ago, she’d completely taken for granted. Never again.
As she began setting everything out onto the small bathroom sink, Olivia realized she’d totally underestimated Jake and his team. They came off as these big, tough warriors. Soldiers ready for action. In reality, they were just a bunch of man-sized teddy bears with the hearts of saints.
She stripped off Jakes clothes. Then, unable to avoid it any longer, Olivia looked in a mirror for the first time since she’d been taken. She gasped, and her hand flew to cover her mouth to keep from crying out.
This wasn’t her. It couldn’t be.
This is what Jake had been looking at for three days? He’d actually kissed her looking like this? Okay, she was wrong. Jake didn’t just have the heart of a saint...he was one.
In addition to being filthy from head to toe, there was dried blood in her hair, as well as on her cheek and jaw. Her forehead and the right side of her face was bruised, and her upper arms were a plethora of blues and grays from where Cetro had grabbed her.
She chose to ignore the shadowed marks on her left breast. They’d been left by a dead man. He was gone, and she was safe, so there was no reason to give him—or any of the men who’d taken her— another second of her life. Which meant she had to get his blood that was still on her washed away. Now.
After quickly removing the bandages from her feet, Olivia stepped into the shower. Hissing at the stinging in her feet, she let the warm water rush over the many cuts and scrapes there.
For the first few minutes, Olivia simply stood still, letting the hot water run over her entire body. She looked down and cringed. The water surrounding her was nearly black from the dirt and blood that had covered her.
It wasn’t until after she’d shampooed her hair three times, thoroughly washed her body just as many, and shaved that the water finally became clear.
She dried off and rubbed the lavender and vanilla-scented lotion the guys had gotten her over her smooth, clean skin. Wearing nothing but a towel, she used the wall-mounted blow dryer before brushing the hair she would have sworn could never feel clean again.
Olivia had just clicked the blow dryer back into its cradle when a knock at the door startled her. Jake spoke from the other side, and she inwardly cursed herself for being so jumpy.
“Liv?”
“Yeah?”
“Trevor’s out here. He wants to take a look at your feet.”
“Okay. I’ll be out in a sec.”
“Take your time.”
Looking around the small room, she contemplated her options. Going out there in the towel was most definitely out of the question. There was the nightgown, but as she held it up again, she decided it was much too intimate for Jake’s teammates. That left the dress.
As soon as she had it on, Olivia gave herself a once-over in the mirror. For a split second, she wished she had some makeup, then rolled her eyes. They’d all seen her at her absolute worst, so anything else was a definite improvement.
She tossed the t-shirt, boxers, and disgusting bandages into the small wastebasket and tidied up the sink. After running the brush through her hair one last time, she opened the door and stepped out into room.
Jake and Trevor were both sitting at the small table talking, but when they saw her, all talking ceased. Jake’s eyes met hers, and suddenly, Olivia felt very subconscious.
She licked her lips nervously and ran her fingers through her hair. “I-I know I still look a mess...”
Beneath the table, Trevor gave Jake a not-so-discrete kick in the shin. Jake cleared his throat, “You, uh, you look...fine.”
Rolling his eyes, Trevor shook his head, making Olivia smile. Standing up, he said, “Hop on the bed, and I’ll check you out.”
She sat down on the bed closest to the table. Trevor crouched down in front of her, gently picking up each foot to inspect her soles.
They were still a little sore, but the hot water seemed to do wonders. After cleaning them with antiseptic wipes, Trevor applied antibiotic cream to the cuts.
“I think you’ll make it,” he teased as he finished putting away his supplies. “I’ll leave the ibuprofen and antibiotics for you, but it would probably be best if you got something in your stomach before taking them. You’re dehydrated, so don’t overdo it on the food or liquids. Small bites, chew slowly, sip your drink...”
“She’s a nurse, Trev. She knows what to do.”
Trevor looked at her apologetically. “Right. Sorry.”
“It’s okay.” Olivia smiled. “I actually did forget about the small sips when Jake first gave me some water in the jungle.”
Trevor grimaced. “You
