She did as she was told and without delay, she felt the jab.
Then she felt the burn.
Her arm flew out and her fingers curled around the basin while she sucked in breath, closed her eyes and fought the pain.
When it burned out, she found herself wrapped tight in his arms, tucked in his body with his face buried in her neck.
His warm embrace unsettled her.
Because it felt good.
She’d always battled the pain alone. It only lasted a minute or two but it still hurt.
She’d never had anyone, not anyone, help her battle the pain. Not since her Momma and Papa, who held her close after giving her the injection. Gregor was not a “holding close” type of guy.
It also surprised her.
Callum was a pretty domineering man though he’d also shown moments of tenderness.
But nothing like this.
Her fingers curled around his forearms, “Callum.”
“It hurts.” It was a statement.
“Yes.”
“It looked bad.”
“It’s excruciating.”
His arms tightened further.
“Callum, it’s okay. I’m used to it.”
“There’s no other way?”
She shook her head.
His face shoved deeper into her neck before he whispered, “Baby doll.”
Before she could say anything else, he’d done up her cords and belt then she was cradled in his arms and they were out of the bathroom, Callum striding to the living room.
He laid her on the couch and didn’t hesitate in joining her, stretching out and pinning her between his big body and the back of the couch.
She looked at him and announced, “I’d like some tea.”
“I’ll get you some in a minute. Tell me about your thing.”
“What thing?”
“Your blood thing.”
She pulled in breath.
He was being way too nice. And way too concerned. And way too sweet.
And it was messing with her head.