Page 160 of His Ruin
“There’s another part of this that we need to discuss,” he says as he takes a bite of his own food. “It’s called aftercare.”
I blink, my head tilting. “Aftercare? What’s that?”
“Think of it as a warm down,” he offers me another bite, and I take it before easing back down onto my thighs. “It’s a physical and mental reconnection period where partners care for each other. I’ll make sure you don’t have any injuries, and we can do something that will help you decompress from the scene. It can be anything.”
My eyes light up. “Like watching a movie and cuddling?”
His lips twitch into a smile. “How did I know that was coming?”
I smile bashfully. “Well, you’ve always been the best big brother…”
He pinches my chin between his fingers before swooping down and kissing me deeply. My eyes close as I moan into his mouth. My whole body goes pliant as comfort washes over me. His touch has always been a balm for life’s greatest challenges.
He pulls away before nipping at my bottom lip. “Your punishment isn’t over yet.”
I wilt a little as I huff. “Dammit.”
“Nice try.”
We finish our food slowly, and an idle conversation starts between us as I talk about the clothes and shoes I bought today. I completely forget that I’m kneeling naked with a collar around my throat as dinner draws to a close and everything becomes so natural. It isn’t until Kaden pushes his chair out and the chain slides against the floor that I snap out of it.
He returns our plates to the kitchen before unchaining me and unlocking the cuffs. As my arms slide around, I release a breath of relief. Kaden takes my wrists in his hands, turning them over to observe the red lines around them.
“Nothing serious,” he mumbles. “No cuts. Stand up and let me check your knees.”
I obey, shifting in place as I rise. His fingers brush over the redness before he nods in satisfaction. He slaps a hand over my ass, making me jump.
“Would you like clothes now?” He smirks.
I hook a finger into the collar, pulling it away from my throat. “And maybe I can get this off—”
“Nope,” he interrupts.
I deadpan. “I’m stealing your clothes.”
“I wouldn’t expect any less.” He kisses my temple before retreating upstairs. When he returns, he has one of his old band t-shirts and a pair of my underwear in his hands. I reach for them, but he stops me. “You’ve done enough. Let me take care of you.” He murmurs into my hair before dropping to his knees in front of me.
I place my hands on his shoulders as I lift a leg, and he slides the underwear around my ankle. I watch him dress me the whole time, heat igniting in my face with every brush of his fingers over my bare skin. It’s achingly sweet.
“All dressed,” he whispers as he pulls my shirt down past my upper thighs. He kisses me chastely before nodding to the living room. “The remote is yours. Pick a movie.”
I take his hand in mine, feeling sheepish as I drag him towards the large sofa. I flick on the TV as he sits next to me, our sides touching. I find one of my favorites, press play, and lean over his chest. My hand tightens into a fist as I bunch his shirt. I can hear the steady rhythm of his heart beneath my ear as the beginning credits roll. He smoothes a hand over my hair, the touch tender and calming.
“I could get used to this kind of pampering,” I muse as my eyes flutter.
His chest shakes with a silent laugh. “Then marry me.”
I can’t stop my small smile from forming. “I already did.”
Chapter sixty-six
Kaden
Anothermorningsleepingbesidethe love of my life, and another cup of coffee that tastes slightly off, but I can’t put my finger on what Melody did to it. As I turn the taste over on my tongue, my brow furrows. It’s subtle, and I commend her efforts for not giving me a single fucking clue as to what she’s doing to my drink.
Fuck, her revenge is hot. I never thought I would get so turned on by her spitefulness.
She sits across from me at the dining room table, her mug lifted to her lips as she takes a slow sip and peers at me through her lashes. She rose with vigor this morning, declaring that she needed to return to her flower shop to check in with her staff. We’re waiting for Sergey to arrive to accompany her today.
