Nola recalled the time she’d been too sick to attend prom, and too poor to afford a dress, so Vale had thrown a party at Carrie’s house.

She replayed the last time she and Bane had made love. He’d been on top, pinning her down. A “vanilla” position for so many, but a forbidden delight for them.

“Hey, hey, little dove.” Bane’s voice caressed her ears. The side of the bed dipped. “I’m here now, and I’m not leaving you again.”

He’d returned!

“You’re here.” Tears welled, blurring his visage. His heat and scent enveloped her, offering comfort. Aches and pains faded, and she threw her arms around him. “You survived!”

“So did Vale and Zion. A bullet nailed Knox in the spine, temporarily paralyzing him, but he’ll pull through.” Bane tucked her close, using his body to buffer her from the rest of the world. “You probably sickened because I was trapped inside the circle with walls of energy that disabled my mystical abilities.”

“I—I don’t care about my c-condition.” A sob burst from her. “I’ve been so w-worried about you and them and, and, and...”

Bane petted her hair, saying, “If you’d like to see what happened, I can use our link to show you.”

Would she like?

“You can see your man’s strength.”

Okay, yes. She’d like. “Please and thank you. But first I reeeally have to pee.” She attempted to stand...nope. Still a nonstarter. Despite the reprieve from pain, she was too weak. Cheeks burning, she whispered, “I need your help.”

Like a knight in invisible armor, he carried her to the toilet, and held her up with one hand while pulling down her shorts and panties with the other. He even helped her sit down gently.

“This is mortifying,” she groused. She kept her gaze to the floor, too embarrassed to face him.

“Consider it a favor. One day, I’ll be injured, and you’ll have to carry me to the bathroom.”

As if. “Sorry, babe, but if that day comes, I’ll put you in a diaper.”

He chuckled, the most beautiful sound she’d ever heard.

With the back of a shaky hand, she wiped her eyes. Vision clearing, she slowly lifted her gaze. The moment she saw his condition, she grimaced. Poor, darling Bane. He had serious cuts and gashes all over his body. “Heal quickly and painlessly, Bane. And, maybe turn around, please?”

He caressed her cheek before presenting her with his back. “Do you think a bodily function will make me think less of you?”

“No. It’s just, you didn’t sign on to be my caretaker.” She shuffled her feet. Come on! But her overly full bladder was shy, refusing to cooperate.

“Actually, I signed on to be your everything.”