Zara stilled instantly, her muscles stiffening in alarm. "I'm sorry," she blurted, regret flickering across her face. "I didn't mean to hurt you. Let me check."
She held his injured hand gently as if she were afraid her touch would hurt him further. For a moment, she simply stared at the bandage, not knowing what to do.
"It hurts," he mumbled, checking her expression.
Zara's regret deepened. "Tell me, what can I do to ease your pain?" Her fingers brushed gently over the edge of the bandage.
Nathaniel's lips curled faintly with a knowing smile. "Yes, it's only you who eases my discomfort," he rasped. His good hand rose and caressed her cheek.
Zara shivered at his tenderness. She should have pulled back, should have shoved his hand away, but she didn't. She remained still in his lap, fearing a slightest movement could hurt him.
His thumb brushed the curve of her jaw. "Zara," he whispered, his lips hovering over hers as if he was about to kiss her.
