Being Zolt Read Online Free PDF Page B

my face. She winced at the movement and dropped her hand before it reached its destination.
    I hated that she tried to comfort me.
    “I need to step out and get the sedative. Be right back,” Brody said and left the room.
    Stretching out on the bed next to her, I caressed her face.
    “I’m sorry, Zolt.”
    “For what?”
    “Lying to you—hurting you. Everything I said were lies. I had to make you go away so Marcus wouldn’t hurt you again.” Her tears were in full flow now and her voice sounded hoarse.
    “Don’t, Irelyn. It’s in the past. You’re here where you belong. We’re safe from Marcus.”
    “I love you, Zolt. I need you to know that.”
    Tears swam in my eyes, making my vision blur. My heartbeat thrummed with her words and their implication. I didn’t want to break down in front of her. I wanted to stay strong.
    “I love you, too, Irelyn.” I gently kissed her soft, tear-moistened lips. “Now rest, baby. Just rest.”
    Irelyn closed her eyes just as Brody returned to administer the sedative.
    I stayed lying next to her, holding her hand until she fell asleep. Then, I went to the backyard and sat on the steps leading down to the lawn.
    In the darkness with my face in my hands, I did something I hadn’t done in years.
    I cried.

I faded in and out of consciousness for a few days, waking only to do the essentials. Every time I woke, Zolt was there, watching over me. The burning pain on my back had lessened considerably, but the psychic pain stayed constant, though muted by the sedatives. I thought about letting Brody keep me numb, but I had to return to the world of the living.
    “Hi. How are you? Better?” Zolt asked and sat on the bed. He brushed stray strands of hair from my forehead.
    “Hi. Yeah, I am better; ready to get up and about.” I pushed myself up, wincing a little. It still ached, but not near as much. “I’m sick of lying in bed, and I’m starving.”
    “Oh, well, that’s a good sign.” Zolt caressed my arm and I closed my eyes; the electricity of our connection still took me by surprise.
    “First, I’d love a shower. I feel disgusting.” I touched my oily hair and grimaced, imagining what I must look like.
    A knock sounded on the door, and Zolt opened it.
    “You’re awake,” Brody said. “That’s great. How’s the pain?”
    “It’s much better. I’d like to take a shower and wash my hair.”
    “Let’s take a look. Lay on your stomach,” Brody directed, his intonation all business.
    I did as he said and lifted my T-shirt. With no panties on, I felt a little exposed, but I told myself to get over it. By this time, Brody had seen my naked ass so many times it probably didn’t register with him anymore.
    “You’re healing well. You can take a quick shower if Zolt is with you and helps you wash your hair. I want him in there with you in case you feel faint.” He removed the IV and secured a bandage over the site.
    “Okay.” I smiled at Zolt.
    “Keep your hands to yourself, Zolt,” Brody commanded.
    Zolt threw up his hands then winked at me. “I won’t touch her.”
    Brody left and Zolt went into the en suite bathroom and started the shower. He stripped off his clothes and climbed in first with me following. I could tell by his body’s reaction to my nakedness that seeing me excited him, and I wasn’t totally immune to him, either. In the past, if we took a shower together, we had sex. And watching the water roll off the ripples of his abs—and past his hard length that stood out proudly before him—stirred something deep in my belly.
    Zolt caught my gaze and gave me a sheepish smile. “Sorry. I can’t help it. My body reacts to you regardless of whether we’re going to have sex or not.”
    “It’s okay. Mine, too.”
    We didn’t speak for the rest of the shower. I went through the process as quickly as possible. I couldn’t help the inexplicable shyness welling in me. We’d done all manner of things to and with each other, both in bed and out.