It was going to be hard to trust him.
I stepped into the shower and let the hot water stream over my body. I had grown far too thin. My collar bones gave my shoulders a sharp edge, and my pale skin looked unhealthy. My hair was thin, much thinner than it was when I lived with my parents, where at least I had a full belly and an abundance of nutrients. Little did I know even that had ulterior motives.
Make me plump and sweet, easy to steal.
I took the white towel and wrapped it around me. It was lush and thick. I enjoyed its warmth. Did he throw the thing in a dryer before putting it in here?
I shivered, my cold skin rubbing against the thickness of the towel. I raised it to my nose and deeply inhaled the smell of detergent; I began coughing yet again. The coughs grew harder, and I gasped for breath until the door hinges cracked and in burst Grim with wild eyes, panting. He’d removed his shirt. He had a large wolf tattooed across his chest, with more running down his arms. I stared at his chest, the muscles rippling as he breathed heavily.
Why hadn’t I noticed his tattoos yesterday?
“What?!” I screamed.
Grim pulled me to his embrace, rubbing my back, and pulled out the medicine from his pocket, helping me inhale it again. Once again, my lungs opened up, and I slumped into him.
“T-thanks.” Gripping the towel tighter, I tried to back away, but he held me close.
The warmth of his body, his scent, it drove me mad.
“Um, I’m naked.” My body betrayed me—my nipples were hardening, and I pushed my legs together.
The warmth of his chest against my cheek made me long for something I had never wanted. The touch of another man.
There was something when our skin made contact—an instant warmth and calm each time he touched me. I felt normal, better than normal. I was safe; I was home. That had to be crazy though, right? No one could feel this sort of feeling, especially with a man like this. He was dangerous, flying off the handle with his best friend and knocking him square in the face.
But he did it to defend my honor.
Now I’m defending him.
He cleared his throat and nodded, stepping away. “Sorry,” he apologized and stepped out of the bathroom, closing the door that hung from only one hinge.
Once dressed, I stepped out in trepidation, my bare feet touching the large carpet rugs that now covered the entire apartment. It didn’t look messy or cluttered. It was a beautiful mixture of textures and softness. Like a large den of a mansion home that resided in the basement.
Warmth, safety. He had done everything to make me feel comfortable.
It was more than anyone else had given me.
He strolled up behind me, he put his hand on my lower back. He wore a tight black muscle shirt and better looking pajama bottoms. A hint of disappointment hit me at the sight of him covered. I quickly sobered when he handed me two pills and a glass of water.
“Antibiotics for your sickness. I have the bottles if you wish to see that they came from the pharmacy.” The nervousness in his voice made me smile.
“No, I trust you.” I took the medicine from his hands.
His muscular shoulders relaxed and, dare I say, I saw a smile under that beard. As quickly as it came, it disappeared, and he lead me to the newly made bed.
A thick, deep red comforter laid on top. The bed was pushed up against the wall and blankets and pillows covered the perimeter, encasing the bed in a nest-like state leaving a small opening for me to climb in. More blankets were set up at the foot of the bed.
The window didn’t look as scary as it had before. It was covered with a thick curtain that kept the sun out. Even though it was fabric keeping me from the outside, it made me feel safe no one could see in.
“Do you not like it?” Grim put his arm around me.
I should shake it off to keep any man’s touch away, but I liked it too much.
“It’s wonderful,” I sniffed. “You should sleep in it tonight. I can sleep on the couch.” I pointed to the new-looking love seat.
Grim shook his head, guiding me to the bed. Pulling the blankets away, he covered me up like a child.
“But it’s too small for you. I would fit just fine on it,” I gently argued.
