Page 43 of A Simple Love

“Okay. Into the tub.”

“I will once you’re gone.”

“Do you think I’m crazy? That I’ll let you take mediation and get into a hot tub? Alone? I don’t fucking think so. I will be staying and watching over you.”

I blinked at his forceful tone and words.

“Well, no need to get all alpha on me,” I muttered.

He glared at me. “Kassie,” he growled. “I’m walking a thin line here. I’ll go so fucking alpha it’ll make headlines.”

I rolled my eyes. “Fine.”

I grabbed a simple one-piece suit and went into the closet to change, shutting the door behind myself. It was a bit of a struggle to get on since it hurt to move, but I managed. Oliver was waiting when I came out.

“I took the cover off.”

“Okay.”

Outside, he helped me into the tub, and I couldn’t stop the groan of pleasure as the heat hit my skin and the jets soothed the ragged nerves in my back. I shut my eyes, letting the warmth soak in, startled when Oliver suddenly slipped in beside me.

“What are you doing?” I hissed.

“Watching over you. And I brought you a cold drink.” He handed me a bottle of water, and I took a long sip before setting it on the edge of the tub.

“You could watch over me from the chair,” I pointed out dryly.

“I could. But not as pleasant. This is a great tub. Perfect for two.” He laid his head back on the headrest, shutting his eyes. I watched him for a moment. The hot tub was designed for two people lying opposite each other. My feet were by his head, and his beside mine. It was the first time I had ever had someone in the tub with me.

“That’s how it was made,” I agreed and shut my eyes, letting the water do its job.

Oliver’s hand found mine in the water, and he laced our fingers together. It was an intimate, loving gesture, and I didn’t fight him on it. He stroked his thumb over my skin in easy circles. I peeked at him, surprised to see how relaxed he was. Until he opened one eye and saw me looking at him. His voice was rough when he spoke.

“I saw the scar on your back. I’m not leaving until I find out how it got there.”

I’d known he would see it once he refused to leave. It was inevitable that we had this conversation. And as much as I dreaded it, it was necessary.

I shut my eyes again and leaned back against the headrest. I only hoped he would control his temper.

“If I get angry, it won’t be at you, lovely. I would never do anything to physically hurt you. You know that.”

I didn’t know I had spoken my worries out loud.

“I know.”

“I don’t want to hurt you in any way,” he added.

“Okay.”

“Now, relax,” he murmured. “Let your meds and the heat work.”

I didn’t reply but squeezed his hand. Somehow it felt right having him beside me. Watching over me.

He squeezed my fingers back.

I think he liked it too.

Oliver