Page 73 of Vengeful Devotion
She yanks her arm away, pushing past me. She pulls Gemma into a hug.
“Are you okay, Gem?”
Gemma nods, laying her head on my mother’s shoulder. Watching the exchange between the two of them, I realize just how much my mother loves her. It’s never occurred to me that my mother’s approval would be so important. Mainly because I never thought I’d end up with someone before Gemma. But seeing her be like this with the woman I have every intention of marrying? I can feel her affection for my woman, and it makes me happy. After all this is over, I need to remember to thank her for bringing Gemma into my life.
There’s a knock on the open door. I turn to see the doctor.
“Come in,” I call as I walk Gemma back over to the bed, allowing my mother to stay by her side.
He shakes my hand before going to Gemma.
“It’s nice to see you, Gemma.”
“Hi, Dr. McGowan.”
He sets his bag down and unpacks the burn kit. Gemma straightens and looks at me. Her gaze all but begging me to do something.
“I can put the bandages on her.”
Cian looks up at Gemma. “Would that be more comfortable for you?”
She nods her head. Cian stands, letting me take his place before her.
“Don’t apply too much pressure, Declan,” he warns.
“I know how to work a bandage. You can wait outside,” I reply. “You as well, mother.”
My mother shoots me a look. Her mouth opens, but she snaps it shut before shooing Cian out of the room and following him. Gemma hisses as I place the first bandage on.
“I’m sorry, bláth fiáin.”
“It’s okay.”
She lays back on the bed, keeping her body still as I work my way around each of her wounds. Despite me being as gentle as I can, Gemma winces with each bandage. Her pain is a stab to my heart. She blows a breath out as I place the last one.
“It’s over now.” I kiss her forehead before calling the doctor and my mother back in.
“If it’s okay with Gemma, I’d like to give her a sleep aid. Just to help her get all the rest she needs.”
I pet the top of Gemma’s head. “What do you think, baby?”
“It’s okay.”
I nod towards the doctor, prompting him to hand me the small bottle.
“Here’s some water,” my mother says.
Cian watches her swallow them before saying goodbye for now with a promise of coming back later tonight. I pull the covers back on the bed and help Gemma in.
She holds my hand, keeping me right next to her until she falls asleep. I run my thumb back and forth against her skin. For a moment, I just bask in the fact that she’s safe. The amount of relief I feel is insane. But so is the anger festering beneath.
“Mother can yo—” I start.
“Go,” she interrupts. “Make it hurt.”
“Call me the second she wakes up. I’ll be right back here.”
“I will.”
