“Are you steady?”
She nodded. “I want to use the restroom.”
“I’ll wait by the door,” he said.
Ella used the toilet and then washed her hands and face. She looked at herself and turned her head from one side to the other. The bruises were fading into greens and blues. She pulled off the butterfly bandage and poked around the wound. It looked like it was healing nicely. The swelling still had not disappeared, but she could see more of her face every time she looked at herself.
She walked up to him. “Okay, I’m ready.”
He cupped the back of her head. “I want to try something.”
Before she could ask a question, he lowered his head and pressed his lips against hers. He lifted his head and stared down at her.
“How are you doing?”
Ella had to admit she was nervous, but mostly, she felt desire. Her blood was pumping through her veins, and her nipples were hard and achy. She couldn’t believe she could feel this way after what Teddy had done to her.
“I … I’m doing okay.”
He grinned. “Good, let’s try another one.”
When he kissed her this time, it was deeper and harder and lasted longer than the one before, but she was thankful he hadn’t taken it too far.
“Good girl,” Ax said against her lips. “I think we should leave before I go over the line.”
She sighed and nodded. He took her hand and tugged her along with him down the stairs and into the kitchen.
The room looked like a beehive of activity. The girls were rushing around, but Ella could tell they were having fun.
“Hey,” Lindsey said. “Let me see your head.”
Ella lifted her hair out of the way.
“I think the cut is looking good.”
“I want to help,” Ella said.
“Are you sure you feel up to it?” Tara asked.
“Yes. I’m moving slower than normal, but I can still do things.”
“How about stirring the chili?” Lindsey asked.
“That would be good.”
Ax stopped her before she took a step from him.
“I’ll be outside if you need me,” Ax said.
“Okay, thank you.”
Tara tapped her arm. “He’s definitely into you.”
“You know what’s weird?”
“What?” the other girls said.
“Even after the things I went through, I can still feel attracted to him.”