Bleeding Edge: Elliot Security (Elliot Security Series Book 2) by Evie Mitchell (short story to read .txt) 📗

the profession of providing care for the sick and infirm. Technically you wouldn’t be incorrect for calling it that.” He ruffled my hair playfully.

I leaned away from his hand, rolling my eyes. “Well done, Captain Definition.”

“Do I get a cape?”

“Not that kind of captain.”

“Well that’s disappointing.”

I laughed. “Suck it up, princess.”

“Ugh.” He made an exaggerated shudder. “Don’t. Pax calls Jetta that, it’s sickly sweet.”

“Really?”

“Uh-huh.”

“I think it’s cute.”

“My woman’s not getting a cutesy nickname. She’s gonna be Spitfire, or Hottie, or Karen.”

“Karen?” I raised an eyebrow.

He shrugged. “Karen was my eighth-grade teacher. Every boy’s wet dream.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Right. Good luck with that. Every chick’s secret wish is to be called by another’s name.”

“Hush, Minx.”

“Nope. Not a thing.”

“Totally our thing… Keys?”

“What?”

He let go of the chair, pretending to type. “Keys, get it?”

I rolled my eyes so hard I worried I’d pulled a muscle. “Just keep pushing.”

“As you wish, Ms Keys!”

“Say it one more time and I’ll–”

“We’re here!” He stopped the wheelchair.

My physiotherapist, Amy, stood in the kitchen, waving as Luc rolled me through the entry.

“Hey! I’m just putting away your groceries.” She closed a lower cabinet door, offering me a smile.

“Let me show you around.”

Amy walked or, in my case, rolled us through the small space. The apartment itself was compact, but still bigger than my current flat. I guess it had to be, to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers.

“Remember, it’s important to stand as much as you can and keep moving using the techniques we discussed. We’ll work on gaining back your strength and mobility over the next few weeks, but as long as you can stand, you can walk.” She handed me a bunch of papers. “These are my initial thoughts regarding your rehab regime and a suggested diet. At least until we get the all clear. We’ll talk more about this at the first session. If there’s nothing else, I’ll see you tomorrow. Fair warning, it’ll be brutal. We’ll be getting you walking. We need to rebuild your motion and muscle strength in your other leg while we wait for the fractures to heal.”

I nodded and, after goodbyes, she left Luc and I alone.

“What do you need?”

I blushed, avoiding his eyes as I muttered, “A bathroom.”

“Right.” He turned the chair, wheeling me down the hall to the room.

I’d started serious PT earlier that morning. I was used to being active. I held a black belt in karate. I tried to run at least five kilometres each day. I did both to stay fit and ensure that, when the time came, I’d be able to protect myself. Being weak was never an option.

Yet, here I was. Shaking like a new lamb, weak as a baby, relying on Luc to assist me to the bathroom. He helped me up, shifting me in a practiced motion.

“This is embarrassing.” I tucked my head into his neck. Even the act of simply standing had robbed me of my strength.

“Nah.” He grinned down at me. “Makes me look gentlemanly. I get to imagine I’m a ye olden knight, sent to help the damsel in distress.”

“Oh great.” I rolled my eyes. “I’m the flake in this story.”

“The damsel who fought a dragon and won but got hurt doing it?”

“Slightly better.”

“The damsel who fought a dragon and won and now gets the whole pot of gold?”

“Better.”

“The damsel who fought a dragon, won, and gets the gold and the guy?”

“I’d prefer the dragon. I want to be Khaleesi, riding my giant fire-breathing pet through the skies.”

“Naked.”

“What?” I laughed, swatting at his forearm. “Luc!”

“Hush. My fantasy.” He positioned my hands onto the bar next to the toilet. “Okay?”

“Yeah good. Go.” I waved him off with one hand.

“Call if you need, I’ll be right outside.” He walked out, leaving me to silently die of embarrassment.

The mirror and sink were opposite the toilet, about six feet away. As I sat doing my business, I examined my face in the mirror. It didn’t paint a pretty picture. Pale cheeks, hair limp and greasy from lack of washing and sunlight, dark rings circling both eyes.

You don’t have time for this.

I finished, heaving myself up. Standing, I realised I couldn’t make the short distance to the sink unassisted. Feeling useless, I called out. The door immediately opened, Luc coming to help.

“And to think, I told all the girls you weren’t a pervert,” I joked to hide my mortification.

He held an arm out, bracing as I leant against him.

“Don’t worry. The affidavit is only valid in Queensland.” We both smiled as he easily assisted me the five steps to the sink. I washed my hands, leaning heavily against the basin before collapsing into the chair. He pushed me out and down to a bedroom.

He’d turned down the bed. A TV sat on the large dresser on the wall at the foot of the bed. A sitcom played on mute.

Slowly, Luc helped me to rise and pivot to sit on the bed. The small effort of moving caught up with me. I settled in as he shuffled around the room, unpacking my clothes, and putting items I may need within arm reach of the bed.

He exited and returned a moment later, a glass of water and some pills in hand. I made a face but took them, forcing it down.

As I started to drift off, the bed dipped.

“What are you…?”

“Ssh. Go back to sleep.” He settled on the other side of the mattress.

“Luc…” I didn’t know what to say. “Thank you.”

He pressed a kiss to my forehead, whispering, “For good dreams.”

I settled, sinking deeper into the bed while he gently stroked my hair as I fell asleep.

Chapter Ten

Emmie

“God, Luc.” I panted his name, breathless.

“That’s it. A little more. You’re so close.” He encouraged.

“It’s too much.”

“Fuck, Em. You’re so close. Come–”

“Oh my God…” I groaned and collapsed into Luc’s arms. My legs were jelly, my arms aching. I looked up at him, flushed, sweaty, and deliriously proud. “I did it!”

“Yeah, you did! Ten whole minutes! You’re killing it today!” He grinned back.

“Ten-minute rest, then