“There now. Better?"
He gave a reluctant nod.
"Can you move your arm in all directions?"
He rolled his shoulder to prove it. "Yes."
"What about your grip?"
"My grip is strong."
"Perhaps I should wrap the arm in a sling."
"I don't need a sling."
"Wait here. I'll dash upstairs to fetch some linen and-"
"For the love of God, woman. My shoulder is fine." He took her by the waist and lifted her straight off the floor, until they were eye to eye. "There. Believe me now?"
She nodded, wide-eyed.
"Good."
In his hands, she was delicate, breakable. Her hair was a golden treasure he should never, ever touch. And oh, how he hungered for those soft, pink lips.
The familiar voice echoed in his ears.
Don't touch, boy. She's not for the likes of you.
Put. Her. Down.
But before Gabe could lower those beribboned pink slippers to the floor, she captured his sooty, sweaty face in her hands-
And kissed him on the lips.”