“You should see the other guy,” he finally croaked out. One thing she noticed was that he was still wearing his vest. His colors. Bones colors.
“Dad let you stay in?”
“Yeah. Gotta make things right with you.” Man sounded half dead.
“Not sure that’s happening, Stunner. You lied to me.”
He sighed under her ministrations, actually leaning into her touch. Which did nothing to melt her resolve. At fucking all. Right.
“I never lied, baby. I just didn’t tell you the whole truth.”
“You’re splitting hairs,” she snapped. He winced when she was less than careful over a nasty bump on his temple. “Sorry,” she muttered, ashamed she’d taken out her pain and irritation on him when he was obviously hurting.
“You’re right. I just… I didn’t know how to start. I can honestly tell you that when I came to Bones, I never intended to do anything other than to watch out for you and the boys. I used every excuse I could think of to get El Diablo to agree to me going. But I did it to make sure all of you were safe.”
She looked at him. Really looked at him. “You’re telling the truth, aren’t you?”
“Suzie, I can’t lose you. Not as a friend. Not as my woman.” He gently grabbed her wrist and moved her hand away from his face. Turning slightly to face her, he winced a little but pulled her to him. “Please, Suz.” He reached for her hand and brought it to his mouth. Which was busted so he winced, but still kissed her palm. “I need you. I’ll always need you.”
She was in so much trouble. “I shouldn’t give in to you. You broke my heart, Stunner.”
“I know, baby. I deserved everything I got here and more for what I did to you. But I’m telling you now, I have no more secrets. The only thing I have left to tell you is that I love you. With everything inside me, Suz, I love you.”
She sucked in a breath. “I love you, too.” The words just tripped out before she could stop them.
His brow wrinkled. “You do?”
“Yeah, baby. I love you, too.” Then the full meaning of what he’d said hit her. “Wait. What do you mean you deserved everything you got and more?”
“Your dad was less than impressed with the things I kept from you. Think he was more upset that you didn’t know all that shit than he was about not knowing it himself. Not sure I’ve ever had a beatin’ so bad. Woulda been worse except we’d both already worn ourselves out.”
“He what?”
“He only did what had to be done. Shoulda killed me.”
“He most certainly should not have! What the shit, Stunner?”
“Don’t mean to be grouchy, but could we talk about this another time?”
Her heart melted a little. This was her Stunner. He was trying to be stoic through the whole beating thing, but he was hurting and, with her, he didn’t care to show it.
“Of course. I’ll just mark it on the calendar. We’ll pick this up in a couple days.”
He snorted, then groaned. “Thanks.”
“Strip. I need to see where else you’re hurt. Then I’ll get whatever I need from Mama. We’ll have you better in no time.”
“You know the rules, Suz. I’ll get naked if you get naked.”
Grinning, she said, “Deal. But only after I check you over.” When he reached for her, she added in a stern voice. “And only if I think you’re up for it.”
“Oh, baby, I’m definitely up for it.”
Of course he was. “Stunner, you’re half dead.”
“Take more than being half dead for me not to be up for this task.” He tugged her to him and into his arms. He buried his nose in her neck and inhaled deeply. “Fuck, I’ve missed you!”
“I’ve missed you, too.” She sniffed, then wiped her eyes briskly, needing to get back to the task at hand. “Enough stalling. Strip and lay down.”
He chuckled, holding his ribs as he did so. She went back to the bathroom to get some antiseptic and bandages. It wasn’t much, but it would do until Mama could look him over. When she returned, he was stark naked, laid out on her bed like a masculine buffet for one. His cock was pointed due north.
“Wow,” she said. “Guess you are up for the task.”
“Can’t say I didn’t warn you, baby.”
She just shook her head. Stunner was covered from head to toe in red and blue bruises. The only cuts were on his face, and they didn’t look too bad. Suzie took her time, being as thorough as she could. She wanted to think it was to make sure he wasn’t really injured, but, though that was a big part of it, she wanted to run her hands over his body. To get that naughty thrill she got whenever she touched him.
Every time her hands stroked over his skin, muscles jumped to her touch. He growled several times, but never pushed her away. At first, she thought she was hurting him. She’d drawn back and made her touch lighter, but he’d quickly dispelled that notion when he pressed down hard on her hands with his. The groan he gave her then was of pure masculine satisfaction.
“You like it when I touch you?” Suzie could remember a time when she’d never have dared ask that question. But this was Stunner. Her Stunner. She could do anything she wanted with him and never be embarrassed. First, she knew he’d let her try anything she wanted. Second, even if he didn’t like it, he’d still let her explore. If she liked it, he might just let her have her way with him until he learned
