Page 208 of Broken Trust

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I drag her right back into the mattress. “Where do you think you’re going?”

“To get your medicine.”

“I don’t need pain medicine.”

“But you’re hurting.”

I tighten my arm around her waist. “I’m fine.”

She growls, “Axle.”

I squeeze her again. “I’m serious, Doc. It looks worse than it feels.”

“You’re impossible.”

“Been told that before.”

She huffs, making me grin.

Then I pull her fully on top of me.

Her eyes widen. “Careful.”

She’s trying so hard not to put any weight on my ribs that she ends up hovering awkwardly above me. I have to bite back a laugh, and I promptly regret it.

“Ow.”

“Told you.”

I ignore her.

Using my good arm, I pull her a little closer. “Relax, baby.”

“I’m going to hurt you.”

“No, you’re not. You weigh a buck ten, soaking wet.”

She rolls her eyes but finally settles slightly, still holding most of her weight off me.

I lift my head. The movement hurts. Everything is stiff, but when I press my forehead against hers, it doesn’t matter.

Her eyes close, and a shaky breath leaves her.

There it is.

The tension she’s been holding on to all morning dissipates, and I brush my nose against hers.

“Hey.”

She swallows and lets out another shaky breath. Then a tear slips from the corner of her eye.

My chest squeezes.

“Damn it.” She quickly wipes it away.

“Jovie.”

Her eyes lift to mine.

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