Page 48 of Daigo

“Sore, are you?” Daigo asked with grim satisfaction as he tugged off her shoes. “Serves you right for that display on the dance floor.”

“I was having fun,” she protested. And now she was feeling every inch of it.

“That’s what you get for traipsing around like that.” He tugged the second shoe off, tossed it aside, and was none too gentle as he massaged her soles. “You could have hurt yourself.”

“I didn’t, though, and I had a wonderful time.” She leaned back on the pillows and closed her eyes as he continued to rub.

“And that’s the only bloody reason I’m not strangling you.” He rose, eyes snapping at her.

“Where’re you going?”

“To draw you a bath. A soothing bath that will work out the kinks.”

“Daigo-”

“Shut up.”

Her eyes popped wide open at his tone. Huffing out a breath, she arched her back and acknowledged secretly to herself that she had indeed overdone it. Placing a hand over her belly, she stiffened when she felt the movements. “Sorry, guys,” she whispered. “Mama just wanted to have a bit of fun. But Daddy’s mad.”

Leaving the water running in the bathtub, he came back and started taking off her clothes.

“Look-”

“Be quiet.” His tone belied the gentleness of his fingers as he removed her dress and undergarments. Subsiding, she bit her lip to stop from spewing. When she was completely naked, he lifted her in his arms and carried her inside the bathroom.

“Vanilla and Epsom salt,” she murmured as he lowered her into the frothing bubbles.

“It’s supposed to be soothing.”

With a sigh, she allowed the warm water to float over her skin. Leaning her head back, she closed her eyes and realized how weary she was.

“I think I overdid it,” she murmured as he came back in with a steaming cup of tea.

“Where did that come from?” She nodded to the cup.

“The kitchen.” Sitting on the lip of the bath, he handed it to her.

“Aren’t you going to join me?”

“No. I think you’ve had enough excitement for one night. Drink.”

“You’re not the boss of me,” she told him with a pout.

Tilting her chin up, he kissed her roughly.

“I most definitely am.” Lifting her heavy mass of hair, he twisted it on top of her head and secured it with a clip.

“You make a great nurse,” she taunted.

“If you think I’m offended by that, you’re mistaken.” Leaning over, he grabbed the sponge and tossed it into the bubbles. “I’ll be back. Try not to fall asleep.”

Waiting until his back was turned, she stuck out her tongue.

“Very childish,” he murmured. Turning his head, he grinned at her before leaving and closing the door behind him.

“Arrogant ass,” she whispered. But oh, what an absolutely wonderful man! Shaking her head, she sent up a prayer of thanks that she had hit the jackpot.

*****