Chapter 55: ICU Awakening and the Storm Outside–2
“Of course.”
The thought of Livvy cooking for me, preparing something with her own hands specifically for my recovery, filled me with a warmth that had nothing to do with the sunlight streaming through the window.
(Connor’s POV)
She leaned close to adjust my pillows, her delicate floral–fruity scent enveloping me, making my heart melt. For a fleeting second, I believed she might kiss me, and my
heart sweetened like honey, pounding with a shy, nervous anticipation.
It would be the very first time my Livvy initiated such intimacy outside of our night
together.
Just then, the hospital bed’s headrest slowly rose instead. “I’m adjusting your bed so you can sit up comfortably and eat,” she explained.
Realizing my mistake, I felt a little silly, like a lovesick young man, but a warm smile
rose on my lips nonetheless. Even injured, I couldn’t help but want her closer.
(Olivia’s POV)
I set up a small table over Connor’s lap, carefully placing paper napkins, then the
container. Opening it revealed the freshly prepared dishes I’d made with such care- lightly steamed vegetables and tender venison.
“The doctor said you should eat lighter food while you recover, so I made you
vegetables and some meat, balanced with healing properties,” I explained, placing
each dish down with gentle care.
Connor watched me quietly, his ice–blue eyes following my every movement. There was something in his gaze a mixture of tenderness and disbelief–that made my
heart flutter.
I lined up the little bowls steamed vegetables, venison, fragrant white rice, and a
bowl of healing broth.
“That’s quite a lot,” Connor remarked with a soft chuckle. “What kind of broth is this?”
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“Herb with wild game,” I replied, scooping a spoonful. I blew on it gently and raised it
to his lips. “Try some.”
(Olivia’s POV)
Just as he lowered his head to sip, his gaze halted abruptly. He spotted the blister on my right index finger.
“What happened to your hand?” he asked, his voice suddenly sharp with concern.
I tried to hide it, but it was too late. “I just… burned myself a little in the kitchen. It’s nothing, just a blister.”
Connor’s ice–blue eyes reddened, his voice thick with distress. “Does it hurt?”
“No,” I insisted softly, touched by his concern. “Compared to what you suffered, this is nothing.”
The silver wound in his side was so much worse than my tiny kitchen burn. I couldn’t bear him worrying about something so trivial when he was the one in a hospital bed.
(Connor’s POV)
I reached out to gently hold her slender wrist, bowing my head to blow lightly on her
burn, again and again. My voice was hoarse with tenderness as I said, “Liar. Burns always hurt.”
Olivia’s amber eyes misted over, but she shook her head, her voice trembling with
affection. “Really, it doesn’t. Next to your wound, it’s nothing at all.”
My fingers cupped her cheek with infinite care. “If you get hurt, even a tiny bit, I’ll feel
heartache.”
Her lashes quivered as she finally let herself lean into my warmth, her soft voice calling, “Con…”
That sweet, affectionate call nearly undid all my composure. I pulled her close, pressing warm kisses to her smooth forehead, flushed cheek, then her soft lips,
tasting her sweetness and relief in one.
(Olivia’s POV)
Moments later, I gently pressed my palms against his chest, pulling away slightly. My
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cheeks felt hot, and I couldn’t quite meet his eyes.
“Eat first, before it gets cold,” I murmured.
+8 Points
Connor’s voice was husky, his eyes bright with teasing affection. “Fine. Then after
lunch, more kisses?”
I pouted, ducking my head in embarrassment, refusing to answer; but inside my heart was bubbling with joy. This playful, tender side of Connor was something I was still getting used to.
The fact that he could tease me like this meant he truly was feeling better. Relief washed through me, easing some of the guilt I’d carried since he took that silver
blade for me.
(Connor’s POV)
I tasted her steamed vegetables, my face lighting up as I swallowed. The flavors were
simple but perfectly balanced, clearly made with care and attention.
Olivia’s eyes were bright with nervous anticipation. “How is it? Does it taste okay?”
With a soft laugh, I teased, “Delicious. You know, they say the way to a man’s heart is
through his stomach. Are you trying to capture my heart via my appetite first?”
Puffing up her cheeks, she pretended to scold me. “So if I can’t win over your
stomach, I can’t win your heart?”
I laughed again, squeezing her cheek affectionately. “How could that be? Just
standing there, you already have my heart without doing anything at all.”
Her pout dissolved into a dazzling, uncontrollable smile, happiness shining in her
amber eyes. The sight was more healing than any medicine.
(Olivia’s POV)
Every last bite of the meal disappeared–even the healing broth was finished. Connor
leaned back against the pillows, resting contentedly as I carefully collected the
dishes.
I was intent on washing them myself, not wanting to burden anyone else with the
task.
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Chapter 55 ICU Awakenin…
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“Let the nurse or Martha do it,” Connor suggested, watching me stack the containers.
I shook my head gently. “It’s no trouble.”
He gazed at me with deep affection and a faint trace of sadness. “When did you learn.
to cook with herbs?”
The question held layers of meaning. We both knew I’d grown up.privileged, never needing to perform such tasks.
“Just these past couple of days,” I replied softly, not mentioning the hours I’d spent researching healing recipes or the multiple attempts it had taken to get this one right.
The quiet intimacy was suddenly interrupted as the door swung open and a group of
people entered the room.
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