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Daniel didn’t even turn, he just waved Theo off. “Go, go. I’ll be fine in a minute.”
“I’ll be right back,” the angel repeated in a whisper before heading deeper into the locker room. A shower started up, along with Walt ordering Theo to strip and get clean.
Daniel wished he felt well enough to watch, but with the way his stomach threatened to empty itself again at potentially seeing a pool of red water swirling around Theo’s feet, he opted to stay.
Thelial
Theo didn’t need to hear Walt’s orders to know what to do. He tugged off the gloves and hand wraps, then shoved down his shorts and jock strap fast enough that the cup went flying. Ducking under the warm water, he let it pound his body, washing away the sweat before cupping water in his hands to scrub at his face.
“Careful of that cut!” Walt barked.
“I am. I am.” Theo rolled his eyes. Walt sounded like Ari, Judah, and John all rolled into a cranky, white-haired shell. Yet the man had given him good advice before the fight. John might have taught him moves, but Walt knew strategy. The second round hadn’t gone according to plan, but he’d won in the end, which was all that mattered.
After a fast scrub with some all-purpose soap over his body and hair, Theo rinsed and turned off the water. Walt thrust a couple of towels at him. He wrapped one around his shoulders and the other around his waist before nudging Walt out of the way so he could check on Daniel.
“He’s fine,” Walt grumbled, following behind. In a louder voice, he said, “Be quick and then let the doc check you out.”
Theo emerged from the shower room to find the medic, Glen, hovering over Daniel. “How’s he doing?”
Glen shrugged. “Settling. Pull up a seat, and I’ll have a look at that wound and check your hands over.”
Theo grabbed a folding chair and set it close beside Daniel. He put his arm around his mate and pulled Daniel in to lean against him. Daniel remained taut for a moment, but eventually relaxed and let his forehead press against Theo’s chin. Before he thought better of it, Theo sent a pulse of healing warmth into his mate.
Daniel clutched at the towel mostly covering Theo’s lap. “Thank you, but stop. I’ll be fine. You can’t get caught.”
Reminded of time and place, Theo relented. “For now,” he whispered, laying a kiss on his mate’s head.
When Glen returned, the medic had a soft smile for them. “I can work around you if you don’t move.”
“Not going anywhere,” Daniel replied.
Theo wasn’t sure who the comment was meant for, but he’d take it to heart either way. He held still while Glen doctored the cut with antiseptic and little pieces of tape he called Steri-something or other. The medic said it would probably scar because he had no doubt that Theo would reopen the wound with the next bout. Theo had doubts, however, since he’d return to Heaven at sunrise and be healed, unless… He let that thought go, knowing Father wouldn’t let him stay. Instead, he watched Glen check over his hands for cuts and broken bones, then carefully palpitate his rib cage for the same.
When he was done, Glen took a knee next to Theo’s chair. “You feeling okay after your first match?”
Theo nodded, ensuring he didn’t disturb Daniel, who had somehow fallen asleep in his arms even with all the hubbub of the locker room as the next fighter prepared to head out to the cage. His mate was exhausted. Theo looked forward to taking him home, tucking him into bed, and then wrapping himself around—
“I’m surprised you aren’t crashing, too.” Glen pointed at Daniel.
“I will. Later. Once I get him home.”
“Where’s my winner?” Troy bellowed as he came through the swinging door of the locker room.
Daniel bolted upright, hastily getting to his feet and facing the demon masquerading as a human. Theo wanted to be done with him now. Just kill Troian, and then Daniel will fall in love with him, right?
“You did good, Dan!” Troy clapped Daniel’s upper arms soundly as he pushed him aside. “There he is. You did fantastic.” Troy did a little one-two punch before vigorously shaking Theo’s hand. “I knew you would. Go home and get some rest.” He reached into his jacket and withdrew a stuffed white envelope. “Take this. You earned it.”
“Thanks, Mr. Troy. I appreciate it.” Theo took the envelope, and Troy trotted off to speak to the next fighter.
Daniel sidled up beside him, nudging his arm. “You appreciate it?” he muttered.
Theo looked down at Daniel, sighing at the sight of the unwelcome frown his mate wore. “Playing the game, sweetheart. It’s what we both must do.” He handed the cash to his mate.
Daniel huffed as he tucked the money away. “You’re right, but I don’t like it.”
“Nor do I. Are you ready to head home?”
“I am, but…” Daniel ran an appreciative gaze from the top of Theo’s head down to his towel-covered groin. “You need some clothes.”
