Pretty Little Dreams by Jennifer Miller Page A

a mischievous grin I see on that mouth of hers.
    “I do.”
    “Well, okay then. Please, just promise me that if something comes up – something at the club, or with your dad - you won’t put your life on hold for me.”
    “Angel, you are my life.” I enunciate each word, wanting to make it clear. Doesn’t she get that? If not, I’m going to make it my mission that she does.
    Her eyes fill with tears and she whispers, “And you’re mine.”
    I can’t help it. I kiss her again. I hold her head in my hand and run my tongue along the seam of her lips, silently asking for entry. When she gives it to me, it doesn’t take long for things to heat up between us – our kiss is raw; demanding. She’s once again pulling at my shirt and my body is more on the bed than off of it at this point. I pull away again and place my forehead against hers. Our breathing is fast, and I close my eyes to gain control of my hormones.
    “Luke, I have a favor to ask you…”
    “Anything,” my voice sounds raspy with longing and need.
    “It isn’t going to be easy, but do you think you can help me wash my hair and my body? I just really want to feel…well, clean. Other than Pyper helping me brush my teeth and my hair, I haven’t had a chance to truly freshen up and I think I would feel so much better if I could. I mean, taking that tumble and getting banged up, and then lying here in this bed…”
    Oh god, my body is an evil bastard because I’ll be damned if just the thought of her naked doesn’t do things to me. I swear my cock just twitched, and my breathing that was getting under control, has picked up once again. Somehow, I manage to choke out an “Of course,” but I have no idea how I am going to make it through this. It is going to be pure torture.
    She eases the covers off the top of her and I very gently help ease her off the bed, being very careful not to bump anything. Her body looks so fragile and small. I feel like one wrong move, and I’ll break her. When she stands, she sways on her feet. “Screw that.” I sweep her up into my arms.
    “Luke! I could have made it on crutches, I need to get used to them anyway.”
    “I know you could have, but maybe I wanted the chance to hold you in my arms.” I give her my best mischievous smile and walk us into the bathroom.
    “Thank you for doing this,” she whispers.
    “Don’t thank me. I want to take care of you. I’m going to set you on the toilet while I get the water warm, okay?”
    “Okay.”
    The bathroom contains a large stand up shower. I pull the curtain back and see a bench, which will be helpful, since she can barely stand on her own. Fortunately, the shower is also big enough for five people. I twist the faucet on so the water can start warming up.
    “Can you grab those bags and rubber bands off the sink? We have to wrap my cast in them because I can’t get it wet.”
    “Oh sure.”
    I walk over and grab the bags and a towel while I’m at it. When I turn back towards her, I stop dead in my tracks and stare. She’s pulled the gown off her body and she’s naked. Usually the sight of her glorious body always takes my breath away, but this time, when I can’t breathe, and try not to gasp - it’s for an entirely different reason. She’s covered in more bruises and scratches than I can count – and they are located everywhere - from head to toe.

10.
    KISSING THE PAIN AWAY
    Olivia

    L uke’s gasp makes me look up into his face. His gaze is roaming over my body from head to toe and I feel my skin turn red in embarrassment. A flush starts at my face and runs down my chest. I know I’m a horrid sight. The fall wasn’t kind to my body, and the bushes that broke my fall scratched or cut my body everywhere. I’m covered in scratches, bruises and there are quite a few bandages as well. Some of the bruises have started to heal, so my body is a plethora of colors from black, blue, and yellow. Aside from the hurts that mar my body, I’m sitting here in