Page 36 of Gray

While the team discussed what happened, Aubrey stayed by Gray’s side, watching over him and attending to his needs.

“It was just a nick,” he said, voice low.

“You lost a lot of blood. That’s why you passed out.”

“I didn’t pass out.” He frowned, turning grumpy fast.

“Yes, you did.”

His brows drew closer together and his scowl deepened. “What’re you doing here, anyway? You should be on a flight back to—”

Aubrey placed a finger over his mouth. “Shut up and be a good patient, Gray.” Her tone softened. “I’m taking care of you, so please cooperate or I’ll be forced to take drastic measures. I will tie you down, if need be.”

The scowl disappeared and heat flared in his golden eyes. He licked his lips, catching her finger with his tongue.

A shot of heat zinged straight up Aubrey’s arm and spread throughout her body. “Behave,” she scolded, but her lips twitched.

“Yes, Nurse St. Clair,” he dutifully replied.

Clearly, he was going to be an incorrigible patient. Aubrey tried not to smile at the thought. And failed miserably.

Chapter Thirteen

It didn’t take long to reach the bungalows after landing back at the small private airport near Playa del Oro. Aubrey continued to fuss nonstop over Gray and, though he kept up his gruff appearance, he was tired, the stitches were pulling and a dull ache made his entire arm throb.

His team went to their respective bungalows and even Zane disappeared. Meanwhile, Aubrey gave him a few painkillers and led him into his bedroom. She grabbed his pajama bottoms off the chair and paused.

“Do you, ah, need any help?”

For a moment, he was tempted to say yes. “No,” he murmured. “But, thank you.”

She took an awkward step back. “Okay then. I’ll let you rest and come back to check on you in a little while.”

Before he could say another word, she hurried out. Gray slid his belt off then kicked his boots and cargo pants off. He wasn’t sure what happened to his tactical vest or t-shirt, and he really didn’t care. After quickly washing up in the bathroom, he dropped into his bed, expecting to fall right to sleep.

Instead, his nose filled with the soft, flowery smell of gardenias. Aubrey. Stifling a groan, he struggled to figure out how he was supposed to rest when her sweet smell was getting him worked up. She’d stayed to take care of him. His chest tightened. Somehow, he’d figure out a way to repay her.

His big bed felt entirely too empty. Even though he shouldn’t, he wanted Aubrey in there with him. Tucked up against his side so he could feel her warmth and breathe her tantalizing scent in deeply. He wanted her on a level that bordered on possessive, obsessive even, and for Gray, that was an unfamiliar feeling.

Would she want to come into his bed with him? The thought tortured him for a few reasons. First, he was scared the nightmares would take over and he’d hurt her. Second, he was terrified she’d reject him. And, most important of all, he knew she deserved better when all he could offer her were pieces of himself.

Wide awake, he stared up at the ceiling as the sun began to set outside. After what felt like forever, the door finally creaked open and Aubrey walked inside.

She looked down into his wide-open eyes and frowned. “Why are you awake? How’re you feeling? Do you need some water?” She leaned closer to look at his dressing and his hand snaked around her wrist. Surprised, her indigo eyes snapped up.

“There’s only one thing I need,” he told her, voice husky. His rational side was yelling at him to leave her alone. His body wasn’t interested in listening.

She pressed her lips together then lightly licked them. “Oh? And what is that? Another blanket?”

Gray shook his head and tugged, pulling Aubrey onto the bed. “Guess again.” His heart jackhammered against his ribs, gaze zeroing in on her mouth. He could already taste her.

“Mmm, a shirt?” she asked teasingly, openly staring at his naked chest.

“No.” He pulled her down on top of him and she gasped.

“Your arm—”

“—is fine.” He loved the feel of her warm curves against his chest and reached up, sinking a hand into her long, dark hair. “So pretty. Like silk.”

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