“Are you okay, little one?”
“I am now.” She leaned into his reassuring touch as fatigue overwhelmed her. “I don’t think I can get dressed by myself.”
“You don’t have to,” he said, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. He was so gentle as he helped her out of the hospital gown and back into her clothes. “Next time, I’m coming back here with you.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” she said sleepily. “You’ll end up punching that mean doctor in the face.”
He pulled back and searched her face. “Mean doctor? Who? Reckless?” When she nodded, he scowled. “What did he say to you?”
“Nothing worth repeating,” she murmured, resting her cheek against his chest. “You’re so warm.”
“And you’re sleepy as a kitten,” he replied, gently rubbing her back. “Let’s get you home.”
The trip back to the Valiant was a blur. She could barely keep her eyes open as Cipher led her through the Mercy to the transport ship. Once he had her buckled into her seat, he lifted the armrest between them and hauled her right up against him. She rested her tired head on his chest and drifted off to sleep.
She woke to the sensation of Cipher unbuckling her seatbelt. He caressed her sleepy face and helped her stand. She clung to his hand and arm as they navigated the Arrivals deck and waited for an elevator. As soon as they stepped onto their floor, he swept her up into his arms and carried her the rest of the way to their quarters and then into their bedroom. She didn’t protest as he placed her on the bed, stripped off her shoes and tucked her under the covers. He took off his boots and belt and slid into bed beside her.
Gathering her close, he rubbed her back. “I’m sorry the treatment took so much out of you.”
“It’s not your fault,” she murmured, still so tired. “I hope it works.”
“It will,” he assured her. The soothing strokes of his hand made her eyelids droop. “Later, I want you to tell me what Reckless said, Brook.”
“Yes, sir.” She yawned and snuggled in closer. “But you have to promise me you won’t storm over there and kick his ass. I’m not cut out to be a prison wife.”
He chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “Physical violence isn’t my thing. There are much better ways to get revenge on someone.”
Certain he had all sorts of scary ways to hurt someone, she tucked her leg between his. As she drifted off to sleep, there was a brief flash of a memory that she couldn’t quite place. The Drowned Door? Why in the world was that coming to mind?
Too tired to think about it, she promised herself she would try to figure it out later. For now, she was content to nap in the warm cocoon of Cipher’s arms.
Chapter Fifteen
While Cipher watched Brook sleep, he couldn’t stop thinking about all the horrible things Reckless might have said to her. The doctor had a terrible reputation when it came to mates who weren’t from their home world. It was the main reason Orion kept him on the Mercy and off the Valiant and why Reckless was rarely sent down with the Grab teams.
Brook let out a soft whine in her sleep, and he nuzzled his face against her cheek before drawing her in a little tighter. The thought of Reckless talking shit to her and disrespecting her infuriated him. She was so good and kind, such a giving, sweet soul. His hands started to clench, and he had to consciously will them to relax. Even though he had promised her he wouldn’t hit Reckless, he had a feeling that might be a promise he broke.
Wanting to keep her safe and protected from all the ugliness in the world, he closed his eyes and inhaled the sugary sweet scent of her soap and shampoo. He had been surprised when she had chosen to keep using that particular bath set. He had been sure she would gravitate toward the woodsy scented one. Not that he minded either way. Whatever she liked was just fine with him.
His watch started to vibrate, and he groaned, knowing it was surely bad news. He glanced at the screen, saw the red alert and disentangled himself from Brook. The communication console in the living area started to blare, and she sat up, groggily wiping at her eyes. “What’s wrong? Another drill?”
“No, I’m being called in to SRU.” He moved quickly to