His words had the opposite effect. I was sure my entire face was bright red in embarrassment.


    Desperate to retain some semnce of dignity andposure, I circled around behind him. Alexander didn’t have to see the


    embarrassment written all over my face.


    I forced myself to focus on the task of taking off his robe rather than how his shouldersplemented a narrow waist. It’s just a


    simple bandage. I’ll be done in no time, I said to myself as Iid


    out all the medical supplies I needed.


    “You know, I have to ask…” Alexander began. He twisted his


    head slightly so I could see the smile forming on his lips. “Are


    you trying to pounce on me from the back there, Olivia?”


    I gritted my teeth, choosing to ignore him.


    My fingers found the neckline of his robe, and I carefully


    pushed the thick fabric down his arms until it pooled around his


    waist. It revealed arge muscr back, broad shoulders and <i>a </i>


    spectacr pelvic bone.


    What a feast for the eyes, Yve purred appreciatively.


    I had to agree, even though I’d never admit it out loud. His


    physique was truly a sight to behold. But again, I couldn’t entertain such thoughts.


    The bed dipped as I knelt beside him. I got to work immediately, unwrapping the old bandage around his waist. I cleared my


    throat every time I had to wrap my arms around him to get to the bandage, but thankfully Alexander didn’t make any morements.


    He just let me work.


    The wound was already healing, but it still needed some care. I


    dipped a cotton swab into the ointment. “This might sting.”


    Alexander nodded. I applied it carefully and watched as it


    dissolved into the wound. However, it was wet and sticky,


    stubbornly refusing to dry properly.


    Without thinking, I leaned closer and blew softly across the


    area. The moment my lips parted, Yve went absolutely wild.


    That was when I realized what I’d done.


    Alexander’s entire body went stiff. I watched as the muscles across his back followed suit, shifting into a tense posture. For a split second, I thought he was in pain, but when he said nothing,


    I continued.


    I reached for a fresh bandage and prepared to wrap the treated wound. I began leaning forward, about to ce the bandage over the wound, when Alexander spoke.


    <b>Chaptery </b>


    “Stop.”


    I froze, bandage hanging loosely inches away from his skin.


    “I can handle the rest myself” The initial amusement in his tone


    was gone. His voice was low, rough, cold even. ?ve sensed that


    his breathing had changed, growing sharper by every lift of his


    chest. “You can go.“”


    I frowned. I was terribly confused. What did I do wrong? I’d


    been so gentle with his wound. I reyed each moment, trying


    to figure out the misstep that caused this sudden change.


    However, the more I thought about it, the more irritated I felt.


    I came all the way here to help him at this hour, and he was


    treating me like I’d done something wrong.


    Alexander seemed to sense my irritation because his posture


    softened slightly. He turned his head to look at me.


    “Go to the kitchen.” He’d also abandoned the edge in his voice.


    “Get me something to eat.


    I slid off the bed as instructed, with more force than was


    necessary.


    But as I tried to stand, a sharp pain shot through my legs. My knees feltpletely numb, and the moment I put my full weight on my feet, they simply refused to hold me up.


    The floor met my knees with horrifying speed.


    *Olivia*


    “Olivia?” Alexander asked. His voice went up an octave,


    indicating pure shock. “Are you… are you trying to ask for a raise?”


    Heat spread through my cheek once again as I realized that my current position looked like I’d dropped to my knees to beg for something.


    all I


    “My knees… it’spletely numb,” I said through gritted teeth. I didn’t have to look at him to tell that he didn’t believe me,


    wanted was to disappear from that room.


    I pressed my palms against the floor and pushed myself up. As I


    stood, I began massaging my knees, projecting the rage I felt


    onto the movements of my hands.


    Theugh that bubbled up behind me infuriated me even more,


    and I poured it out on my knees. Even as I stalked toward the


    kitchen, I could still hear himughing. I yanked the


    refrigerator door open with more force than was necessary.


    Another innocent thing I’d transferred my aggression on.


    It was him. He managed to get under my skin at the most inopportune times. And it wasn’t just the things he said, it was the way he said it. It drove me crazy. And because he was my