Slowly, though, she came back to me. My heart had shattered into a million pieces when I saw the recognition flash through her eyes.
The anguish in her howl had nearly brought me to my knees. She was devastated over what she’d done, but I never once considered her guilty of anything other than heartbreak.
What Nico had shared had been shocking. Hearing the truth about the events of what happened the day Liza’s parents died had torn something in my soul, and I could do nothing but watch something shift in her demeanor. Couldn’t do a damn thing when her rage caused another partial shift.
I was just grateful that in the heat of her anger, her wolf had chosen to rip the buck to shreds and not Nico or Dad.
Liza had spent most of her time in bed watching TV or sleeping. She’d called Sabrina and had her take over her jobs for the week because she was in no mood to put a smile on for her clients, which, given the circumstances, was understandable.
Self-care was very much needed, so I did what I could to cater to her every need. I even hired a nail technician to come over with all her supplies to give Liza a manicure and pedicure.
Yesterday, I called in a favor from one of my favorite masseuses who brought her massage table into the bedroom, along with candles and soft spa music. Sure, I could’ve hired the best masseuse in Texas, but I didn’t want to watch another man put his hands on Liza’s body. Ever.
It was worth it, though, when after a two-hour full body massage, I’d noticed some of the tension leaving Liza’s body. She’d slept better last night, not waking from the nightmares that usually chased her into wakefulness.
“Good morning.” Liza emerged from the bedroom around ten. “I can’t believe I slept that late. Guess I was more tired than I realized.”
I took her hand and led her to the kitchen. “You haven’t slept properly the last couple of nights. You needed the sleep.” I pulled a chair out from the table and nudged her into it. “What would madame like for breakfast?” I placed a clean tea towel over my arm in my best imitation of a waiter. “You’re in luck. I know the chef. He’s a grumpy bastard, but he owes me a favor or four.” Iwaggled my eyebrows at her. “I can get him to whip up whatever you like.”
She giggled. “Toast and coffee, please.”
I placed two pieces of bread into the toaster. While I waited for it to do its magic, I turned to the coffee pot. I’d made coffee earlier this morning, so all that was required was to pour it into a mug. After a few minutes, the toast popped up, and I spread butter onto the golden-brown slices. I put them on a plate, then carried it over to Liza, grabbing the mug of coffee along the way. She was reading an email on her phone.
“What are you looking at?” I asked as I placed the plate and mug down in front of her.
“Just checking work emails,” Liza said, not lifting her gaze up from her phone.
I shook my head and clucked my tongue gently. “You’re supposed to be on vacation. Let Sabrina take care of it.”
She sighed and placed her phone on the table, face down. “You’re right, but it’s really hard to not know what’s happening.”
“If something needs to be handled, Sabrina will let you know. She’s not going to run your business into the ground.” I grinned. “At least not in the span of a few days.”
Liza laughed, then picked up her mug and took a sip of her coffee. “Thanks for the reminder. I needed it.”
I sat across from her and watched her eat. It pleased me that she felt well enough to put something in her stomach. “I think you need some more pampering today.”
She raised one eyebrow. “You’re cooking for me. I’ve had my nails done and the most amazing massage. I was sure you’d have to pick me up from the bedroom floor yesterday. I’m not sure what else I could possibly need.”
I took her plate and placed it in the kitchen sink. “How about a long, hot bath?”
“Well, I suppose that wouldn’t hurt.”
I drew her a bath and poured citrus-scented bath salts into the steaming water.
Liza tapped on the bathroom door. “Ready for me?”
“Yeah, come on in.” I eyed her as she slipped into the bathroom and turned her back to me, then dropped her robe.
Holy fuck. I averted my eyes, not wanting to ruin her Zen moment because I couldn’t control myself. All I wanted to do was grab her and fuck her from behind.
She sighed as she submerged her body in the water, leaving only her head peeking out above the water. I folded a towel and placed it behind her neck so she’d be more comfortable.
I turned to leave. “I’ll be right outside when you’re ready to get out. Maybe we can watch something together.”
“Uh-huh. Sounds nice.” Her eyes were closed as she relaxed into the hot water.
An hour later, Liza emerged from the bathroom. Her hair fell in wet tangles over her shoulders. She’d tied her robe at the waist and joined me on the bed, taking the remote from my hand and switching the TV off. “I want to talk to your father.”
