Provoke

Chapter Thirty-Two

Leeta

I walked back into the living room for what felt like the hundredth time.

“Are you sure I can't get you anything else?” I asked. I was mothering him, but I couldn’t help it.

“Jesus, Leet, just relax. If I need anything I promise you’ll be the first to know.” He motioned for me to join him on the couch. Walking over, I carefully curled up next to him. He winced, and I looked up at him, alarmed.

“Does it hurt?”

“It’s fine,” he chuckled. “I'm a big boy, Leet. I can handle a little pain.”

“I just don’t like seeing you like this,” I muttered, frowning. He kissed my forehead as his fingers gently stroked my arm.

I'd been so scared of losing him that I was turning into the kind of girlfriend I swore I’d never become. If the past few days had taught me anything, it was the value of life, and how important it was to live while you could.

I was ready to put the last few weeks behind us and move forward.

I leaned up and kissed him, my lips tenderly pressing against. His fingers brushed over my cheek, cradling my neck as our kiss deepened.

“God, I love you,” he whispered, pressing his forehead against mine. “I'm so sorry. About everything. I never meant to hurt you. I hate myself for what I've done to you.”

I kissed him again, our lips melting into one.

“I love you, too. What you did, it hurts, but I know your heart was in the right place. I'll get over it, so long as you swear to me there will be no more secrets. I want to move forward with you, not dwell on the past.”

“I don't deserve you,” he muttered, shaking his head.

“You do. You do deserve me, Mace. You need to start believing that.”

#

I arrived home from work to find Mace doing the laundry. I laughed, and hugged him, leading him back over to the couch. His arm was still in a sling, and I could see the pain in his face every time he breathed in.

“Would you just sit down and rest? You’re not going to get better if you keep wearing yourself out,” I said, sitting him down.

“You don’t understand how fucking boring it is, sitting around watching fucking daytime TV,” he groaned. “I mean, shit. I’ve been setting my alarm so I don’t miss Dr Phil.”

I laughed and kissed him, snuggling up against his chest, his arms wrapping around me. He winced, and stretched himself out.

“Sore?” I asked, wishing I could take the pain away.

“Yeah, but it’s okay.” He smiled. “Finn came around before. And I had a call from someone.”

“Yeah? Who?” I asked, curious.

“Ben.” His eyes twinkled.

“Ah,” I grinned. “The guy you really want to hate but can’t.”

He shrugged. “He’s not so bad. I guess I can’t hate the guy who saved my life.”

I giggled, and kissed him, “Aww, you guys will be best friends before you know it,” I teased. He rolled his eyes.

“I doubt it, Leets.” He paused. “Hey, complete change of subject, but how would you feel about meeting my family?”

Really? My mouth fell open. He wanted me to meet his family? Where had this come from?

“Yes, of course,” I said, hugging him, trying not to let on how terrified the idea made me. What if they hated me? Criminals didn’t usually take too kindly to prosecutors.

I could do this. Just like he sucked it up and met Dad, I will do this. For him.