Reclaiming Quinn - Parker Williams Page 0,84

ripped my heart out, because I knew you’d done this to keep me safe. I thought you had decided I was weaker than you and you had to protect me.”

“What? No! Not at all. You’re one of the strongest people I know, but you need to keep in mind that they already hurt you, and I would do anything to keep that from happening again. Your pain is mine, and vice versa. We need to protect each other.”

Quinn nodded. “That’s why you’re not getting out of this bed until tomorrow at the earliest.”

“But I can—”

“If you argue with me, I’ll go downstairs and get Gareth up from the table. He and Sean are eating a mountain of bacon, and you don’t want to deny Gareth his pork products.”

Oh no, not in the least. “Fine.”

“And you’re going to let me take care of you, starting with a sponge bath because, no offense, but you reek.”

“I’m sorry about that.”

“Don’t be. I loved being cuddled with you last night. Even though the smell was… off-putting, it wasn’t going to keep me from being with you.”

The last forkful of the eggs was as good as the first had been. Dani had smothered them in cheese, and the rest of breakfast had been probably the best food Deke had ever eaten. Still, it didn’t mean a thing without Quinn being beside him. His hands on Deke’s back were amazing.

“I’m going to get the things to wash you down. Don’t go anywhere.”

“I have to pee, though,” Deke whined.

“Oh, fine,” Quinn said, sighing. “Let’s get you in the tub, then. I’ll wash you there.”

To be surrounded by hot water? Oh yes, please.

Quinn helped Deke into his chair—one Dr. Franklin had acquired after Gareth ordered him to always have everything on hand for an emergency—then wheeled him into the bathroom, where he started the taps. Steam rose into the air, then vanished. Quinn reached under Deke’s shoulders and helped him into the bathtub. As much as he hated to admit it, Deke was grateful for the help, because it was like he had no strength left in his body.

“I’m so tired,” Deke said, punctuating the statement with a yawn.

“Not surprising,” Quinn said, taking a cloth and putting a sweet-smelling soap on it. “Zach told us they barely fed you. You let Zach take your blood, so that had to have an effect too, plus your body used up all kinds of energy to shift.”

“Speaking of shifting… I saw your wolf. You’re so beautiful.”

Quinn’s cheeks flamed. “Thank you. I missed him so much, but if I had to make a choice between you and my wolf, I would choose you.”

“That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.” He held up an arm. “Can I have a hug?”

That earned Deke a scowl. “After you’re done stinking, yes.” Then Quinn grinned as he ran the cloth over Deke’s chest and sides.

“I need to ask a favor, if you don’t mind. You can say no.”

“Ask anything you want, Deke.”

He wanted this so much, but he wasn’t sure if Quinn was ready for it.

“Would you be willing to… um… shave me?” He ran a hand over his face. The patchy beard was definitely scraggy. Unlike his other half, Deke couldn’t grow hair to save his life.

“I’d love to. Relax and let me take care of it.”

Deke settled in the tub, the water near his neck. Quinn went to the cabinet and drew out a razor and shaving cream, then came back to the tub and knelt down. He squeezed some zesty lime foam onto his hand, then slid it over Deke’s face. The scent and touch were heaven.

If Deke thought Quinn would hesitate, he was wrong. Bold, clean strokes, followed by gentle patting with the washcloth. Globs of foam floated on the water, filled with bits of facial hair. And still Quinn continued, his brow furrowed.

It seemed to take nearly thirty minutes, with Quinn making funny expressions as he slid the blade over Deke’s face and neck. He sat back a few times to survey his handiwork, then went right back at it. Finally he took the cloth and wiped Deke’s face clean.

“There. I think that’s it.”

Deke touched his face, grateful the hairy mess was gone.

“Do I look okay?”

Quinn frowned. “You’re a lot paler than you should be. I think we’ll be spending time out in the sun together.”

That sounded perfect to Deke.

Quinn peered intently at Deke. “Goddess, I never thought I’d have the chance to be with anyone—let alone you—like