Page 76 of The Hero
“Right, so ... you hungry?” he repeated. One thing he’d learned about his wife was that she could eat like a pro. He would have never guessed when they were in Thailand. She had to have a hollow leg or something, but he didn’t mind. And no matter what she ate, she was still a tiny thing.
“Um ... I could eat.”
“Then you should stand up so I can feed my woman,” Bob said.
She nodded and eased off his lap, standing with his assistance. She grabbed her panties and started to pull them back on. Still sitting, Bob caught sight of something—and he stopped her, alarmed.
“Ididhurt you,” he exclaimed as he held her hips in his hands and leaned closer. She was naked from the waist down, and he could see his come leaking down her inner thigh, but it was tinged pink. She was bleeding.
Looking down, Marlowe tried to pull out of his grip.
He wasn’t letting go. “I’ll call the doctor. I’m so sorry, Marlowe. I was an idiot! I’ll just—”
“You didn’t hurt me,” she said, interrupting him. “I was more than ready for you. I think it’s my period. I had cramps earlier today, but since it’s been so long since I’ve felt them, I actually didn’t make the connection.”
Bob forced his gaze away from his seed dripping down her leg to look her in the eye. “Your period?” he asked quietly.
“Yeah. You know, that thing women get every month? Let me go so I can clean up.”
But Bob couldn’t make his hands release her. He looked back down at the pink come leaking from between her legs. He’d never thought much about a woman’s time of the month. But now he couldn’tstopthinking about the ramifications of the blood. He looked back up at her.
“You can get pregnant now,” he whispered.
Her lips twitched. “Well, not right this second. That’s not how it works, but yes, now that I’m getting proper meals and stuff, I’m clearly healthier, so ... it’s possible.”
“I hope you aren’t one of those women who don’t like to make love when they’re bleeding,” he blurted. “Because this isn’t a turnoff. At all.”
“It’s really messy. And blood stains,” she informed him.
Bob grinned. “We’ll use towels. And make love in the shower.” He looked up at her again. “You didn’t hesitate for even one second to go down on me, even though I’ve been working up a sweat all day.”
She looked uncomfortable for the first time. “You being sweaty reminds me of when we were on the run. We didn’t shower much, and your natural scent reminds me of when you held me tight when we hid out. Of being safe. It doesn’t bother me in the least.”
Bob’s heart melted. He loved this woman so much. She was perfect for him in every way. “You need me to go out and get you some tampons or pads?” he asked.
Her eyes widened. “No. I can do it.”
“Nope. You stay here. I’ll run out and grab them. What size? Never mind, I’ll get a few different things. I’ll make us some spaghetti when I get back. I love you, Marlowe.”
She smiled at him. “I love you too. Will you ... will you grab me a paper towel or something?”
Bob sprang up from the couch and was back in seconds. “Let me,” he insisted when she reached for the paper towel.
She blushed but nodded.
Bob wiped away the evidence of their lovemaking, a feeling of satisfaction overwhelming him.
He was a total goner. This should probably be gross, something he’d normally shy away from. Something he was embarrassed about. But how could he be, when it was partly of his own making? He’d promised to respect and nurture this woman, and this was just a part of that.
“I’ll be back soon. Take some painkillers if you still have cramps.”
“I’m fine, Kendric. I’ve been dealing with my periods for decades now.”
“Right, sorry. I just ... this is amazing.”
She rolled her eyes. “It’s just a period.”
But Bob stepped closer and took her face in his hands. He’d pulled up his pants already, but still felt as if he was naked with this woman. She made him want to be a better person. Be the kind of man she could rely on.
