though I damn sure want to. You need time to heal, but, baby girl, you’re far from ugly. Do I look like the kind of man who keeps an ugly woman around?”
I shook my head.
“All right, then. Guess that means you must be pretty fucking beautiful. Stunning. The most gorgeous woman in the entire world.”
I bit my lip and giggled a little. His words gave me comfort, and eased the weight pulling me down. I glanced at the pills next to the bed and handed them to him. I knew if I kept them nearby, the next time I started to spiral, I’d reach for them. He was right. I was a survivor, and I wouldn’t permit myself to get addicted to pain pills. Not when my daughter needed me, and he needed me. Even if it was the hardest thing I’d ever done, I’d refuse to take another one. I only hoped I was strong enough to not break and reach for the bottle again. I should throw them out, flush them so I wouldn’t be tempted.
“How about we order room service, cuddle in bed, and watch movies all night?” he asked. “Sound good to you?”
“Perfect.”
He ran his fingers through my hair. “Want me to fill the tub? You haven’t tried the bubble bath I got you yesterday. Might help relax you before we eat. I’m sure the food will take at least a half hour, maybe longer.”
I nodded and watched him walk off. I heard the water running in the bathroom and smelled a floral scent. It took me a minute to get out of bed and feel steady enough to walk. Kraken sat on the closed toilet, his fingers under the water spout. It must have seemed too hot because he turned the cold water knob some more. When he noticed my presence, he gave me a warm smile and stood, helping me out of my pajamas. He’d bought three sets for me, all soft cotton. They weren’t sexy by any means, but I appreciated his thoughtfulness.
“Come on, beautiful. Let me help you into the tub, then I’ll go place an order for us. Know what you want to eat?”
“Nothing too heavy, or greasy. Maybe some soup?”
His gaze narrowed. “You need more than just that. I’ll get some for you, but I’ll also see if they have some grilled chicken or something, just in case you’re up to eating more.”
I leaned back against the tub and closed my eyes. The water was perfect, and he’d been right. It was relaxing. I heard the murmur of his voice in the other room as he ordered our dinner. I didn’t know if the others were sticking around too, or just Kraken. I’d seen two of his brothers at the hospital, but Kraken hadn’t permitted anyone in our room. Was I keeping him from his duties with the club?
My fingers started to prune so I drained the water and got out. I hadn’t thought to bring clean clothes in with me, so I wrapped the towel around my body and padded out into the room. Kraken sprawled in a chair at the little table, tapping on his phone screen. He glanced up as I pulled open the dresser drawer, taking out some clean panties and pajamas.
“We need to wash clothes,” I said.
“I’ll get the hotel staff to clean them. They have a laundry service.”
I turned to him, pulling my pajamas on. “Blake, that’s going to cost a fortune. I’m sure there’s a laundromat nearby. Or maybe we can just go home.”
“Baby girl, you’re swaying on your feet. I don’t think you’re up for a road trip yet. When it’s time, I’ll make sure there’s a club truck here to take you home, but for now, I want you to rest.”
I crawled back into bed, pulling the covers up to my waist. He was right about one thing. Even something as simple as a bath really took it out of me. It felt like I’d run a marathon. I knew part of it was the drugs still in my system, but I’d been told I’d lost quite a bit of blood. I didn’t know how long I’d been passed out in my room before Kraken found me.
Our food arrived and I managed to eat my soup and a few bites of the grilled chicken. I didn’t have much of an appetite, but I ate because I knew I needed to. Not to mention, if I didn’t eat regularly, Kraken would threaten