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I blink. I’m on a bed? The last thing I remember is—
“You’re safe, I promise. Trust me. Just give yourself a couple of minutes to recover and I’ll get you out of here, I swear.”
Somehow his presence does calm me. I’m sure I should have a million questions for him, but I can’t summon the energy to ask any. I just nod and accept his gentle calm.
He looks me over, wincing when he takes in the state of me. I must be a mess but I’m too numb to feel the damage. Without hesitating he reaches up and pulls his T-shirt off. I expect him to hold it out to me like he did the water, but he doesn’t. He pulls the shirt over my head, carefully helping me to get my arms through the sleeves and then gently untucking my hair.
“Thanks,” I whisper.
He’s so close. There’s no pity on his face, just pure concern and kindness. He reaches out, tentatively and slowly like he’s giving me a chance to pull away, but I don’t. His huge, calloused hand cups the side of my face gently.
“I was so worried when I heard you scream down the line,” he murmurs softly. His fingers are lightly caressing my cheek but it almost seems unconscious.
“It was you that called me?”
“I was going to see if you wanted to train.”
“I was on my way to see you.”
“I’m so glad you answered the call and were able to signal for help.”
“Me too. How did you find me?”
“A…friend called me.”
“Oh.”
The gap between us seems non-existent and I swear Hector’s gaze keeps flicking to my lips.
I wet them nervously, still feeling the aftereffects of the drugs in my system.
“Hector,” I whisper.
“Mmm?”
“Thank you for saving me.”
“Of course. I want to protect you, or help you to protect yourself.”
“I’m scared,” I admit.
“Of what?”
“I was drugged.” I hesitate. “I…I really like you but…the drugs make me…act out of character,” I confess awkwardly. I want to kiss him, to lean forward and close the gap between us, but I’m terrified to reignite the fuel that’s still simmering in my veins.
“I understand, Odi.”
Relief floods me.
“But I don’t care.”
He makes the first move, pulling me towards him with such care that I know I could pull away and put the brakes on if I wanted to. But I don’t want to.
His thick lips are soft and pillowy against my own but I don’t erupt in the flames of desire. It’s nice, comforting and new. But it doesn’t set me on fire. Which is both a relief and a bitter disappointment.
“Back the fuck off, Heracles,” an icy voice warns.
Hector freezes then pulls away from me with a grimace.
