suite was bigger than Darci

nd added a few drops of sandalwood

the mirror. Dark circles

ctor," she told her reflection. "You've f

the bowl bac

eptively strong. Years of hauling water buckets

itch of muscle beneath her fingers. the way the nerves, dormant for so long, stirred at the unfamiliar sensation. For Fleet, the warm water was a map. It traced

the muscles in his forea

o a knot near his elbow. "What are you made o

ickered in response. MREs and gravel, sweetheart. Special Forces diet. The thought wa

is shoulder. Her fingers trac

she s

he base of his neck, disappearing beh

the scar with her thumb, gently

ave hurt," s

tion. It was a s

y down to where Fleet floated. They struck him with more force than a physical blow. Nobody ever said that. They as

head and snapped herself out of the moment. "Whatever. You have

rp, annoying surge of disappointment that flared behind F

ottom of the bed and

started on his calves, pushing t

motion erupted

to see m

l

blood r

e sheet back up over Fleet, tucking

ld him. "I need to

to the door and

urity guard. She was holding a bas

t smile. "I brought a wedding gift.

the hall and closed

he basket from

s," sh

metal trash can next to the nurses' sta

awked. "That co

rcie said, crossing her arms. "No c

was taller than her by three inches,

ontrol the household budget now, Floy. Hugh's credit cards? I can freeze

pale. The money

would

et out. Before I have securit

nd, and marched away, her heels

breath, counting

d back to

p and cold, the voice of someone drawing a line in the sand-had cut through the static. A strange sense of satisfaction settle

ed he li