“The bone came through the skin. It’s why that scar is so gross.”
He didn’t want to, but Kam came back to his feet. “Nothing about you is gross.Nothing.You’re a beautiful woman who’s lived a difficult life and has a few scars to prove it.”
“It’s ugly.”
“It’s a part of you.” Carefully, he cupped her face, willing her to believe him. “You’re not perfect, Glory. No one is. But know what? I think that makes you better.”
“Better?”
“Real. Sexy. Strong. I not only want you, I admire you. So damn much.”
“You shouldn’t.” Visibly struggling with her thoughts, she stared at his chest. “The hardest part wasn’t being hurt, it was being alone, knowing my parents were gone.” Her breath hitched. “And knowing it was my fault.”
That small shaky confession hit like a sledgehammer. To give himself a moment, Kam picked up the soft robe she’dchosen to wear. Light blue with small yellow flowers, as soft as a T-shirt but thicker, with wide sleeves and a tie belt, it’d be the easiest thing to get on and off her. Still, he used extra care as he bundled her up.
Now, with her covered, he smoothed back her hair. “Panties?”
Looking past him, she shook her head. “Aunt Liz would be scandalized, but for once, I don’t care. They’re not worth the trouble of getting them on and off.”
“We’re going to talk in a minute, okay? Not for a single second do I think a kid could be responsible for her parents’ actions. But first, I want to get you as comfortable as possible. So how about some aspirin?”
“I took acetaminophen when I brushed my teeth.”
He nodded. “Good. For sleeping, I’m thinking the couch would be easier—”
Emotion brought her brows together, but she didn’t make a sound.
“For us both to fit.”
That brought her gaze to his.
God, he wanted to hold her, to make outrageous promises that wouldn’t fit the moment.
If she thought he’d sleep away from her, she was in for a surprise. “Your two couches will be convenient, though I wouldn’t mind being right beside you, our feet propped up, if it won’t cause you any discomfort.”
A wealth of gratitude filled her wide eyes.
Going for a casual vibe that he hoped would help put her at ease, Kam pointed out why the couch might be better. “It’s firmer, and I can rearrange things so you’re reclining a bit but not attempting to lay flat. Plus, you can use the armrest to take pressure off your shoulder.”
Flustered, she nodded. “Okay, sounds good.”
“You won’t mind if I stick close? Because, babe, I need tobe there—for me, not you. You’ve already proven that you can handle it. Me? I’m caught between wanting to kill Mike and the urge to wrap you in cotton padding and keep you secreted away so no one and nothing could ever hurt you again.”
Her lips inched into a smile. “No killing, okay?” Slowly, she began shuffling her way from the room.
Kam stuck close to her, ready to support her if she needed it.
“You can’t wrap me in cotton padding, either. That doesn’t sound very fashionable at all.”
Relieved that her tone was now teasing, he grinned. “I bet you’d make it look hot.”
“Well, I would try, or at least, I’d want it to look stylish, but I doubt it’d be possible the way I look right now. It’s a sweet thought, though.”
“For me to keep you all to myself? I would never be so selfish—tempting as it might be.”
At a snail’s pace, they made their way to the living room. “You know you’re wicked, right? I can barely move, so no matter how awesome you looked kneeling in front of me when I was naked, I can’t take advantage of it.”
“Did I look awesome? I was going for concerned and caring.”Loving.“You have no idea how difficult it was to stomp down my baser instincts. Naked, babe, usually means a lot of touching, kissing.” He glanced at her profile. “Licking.”
