He steadied her on her feet. “Can you stand okay?”
Her knees shook, but she was okay with his help. Ella’s grip on the blanket tightened when he tried to pull it away.
He sighed. “Baby, you have to get naked to get into the tub.”
“I can’t let you see me.”
“I’ve seen a hundred naked women, so I doubt you have something they don’t.”
For some reason, that hurt her, but she ducked her head to hide it. God, she was losing her mind.
“Once you’re in, I’ll put a towel over you.”
She nodded. She didn’t have a choice. It felt like her bones and teeth were going to shatter because of how much she shook. Her movements were making the pain Teddy had put her through becoming excruciating.
He didn’t stare at her and was very matter-of-fact about the situation. When she was naked, he lifted her into the tub. The heat almost felt like it was burning her skin, making tears slither down her face.
“I know, baby. Give it a minute.” He reached for a large towel and laid it over her body. It grew wet quickly and hid her from neck to knees, making her feel warmer.
He turned off the water when it came up to her shoulders then he stood, wiped his hands on a towel, and opened the door a little.
“Guys, go to the store and get whatever clothes you can for her, food, and anything medical you think we can use.”
“I’ll go,” Burn said. “I think one of us should stay with you guys just in case there’s trouble.”
“Good idea. Be discreet because I’m guessing they’re still looking for her.”
“Hey, man, this isn’t my first party,” Burn said.
Ax snorted and closed the door. She hadn’t moved because she still chattered and ached, but her shudders and pain were getting better.
He sat down on the toilet seat. “How are you doing?”
“I’m warmer.”
“Good. We’ll take care of the rest of you soon.”
She nodded. If she could just lay down and close her eyes, she’d be fine.
Chapter Eight
Every few minutes, he would drain some of the water out when it cooled and then add more hot water until she was relaxed.
There was a knock on the door. Ax opened it and reached for the bags.
“Thanks, man.”
“No problem. There’s food out here,” Burn said.
“Okay.”
Ax closed the door and went through the sacks. He was surprised to see Burn had thought of everything from her socks to a knit hat she’d wear on the way home the next day.
“We’ve got some clothes for you. Are you ready to get out?”
“I want to wash my hair and face. It had dirt, blood, and grass in it, and it itches,” Ella said.
“Can you do it on your own?”