Page 63 of The Wild Man

“Cramps?”

“A pain in my stomach. A lot of women have them with their period. It’s normal.”

He scowls. “I don’t like it.”

A light laugh leaves me. “I don’t either.”

“I brought food and water.”

At the mention of food, my stomach growls.

I smile at Wild Man. “Good call. Thank you.”

When I place my hands behind me to sit up, he stops me. “Stay.”

His hand dips in the bowl, and I open my mouth for him to slip the small piece of fresh fruit in my mouth. The juicy flavor has my mouth watering for more. We’re quiet as he continues to feed me.

I’ve just taken a sip of water when I feel a cramp starting. I grimace in pain when my lower stomach tightens.

I feel Wild Man’s eyes on me as I take in a slow breath and let it out through my lips. I’m panting like I’m in fucking labor.

“What you need?” he asks, his voice gruff.

I slide my hand down to my lower stomach and my fingers get caught on the rope. Frustration has my teeth gritting.

“Take this fucking rope off me!” My voice comes out louder than I intended, but I don’t apologize. I am so tired of feeling it around my waist, like I’m an animal that needs to be leashed.

I expect Wild Man to deny my demand or at the very least ignore it, so I’m surprised that after a moment of hesitation, he begins to work on the knots.

I’m lying here with my mouth hanging open, staring at his hands when the rope falls away and he tosses it near the entrance.

A huge weight lifts off my shoulders and it feels like I’ve shed a hundred pounds.

Does this mean he trusts me to not run away? The more pressing question is, will I try to run away if given the chance?

Of course, this could only be a temporary reprieve. For all I know, he plans to put it back once the pain is gone. Only time will tell.

Another cramp begins, but I ignore the pain and grab his hand, bringing it to my cheek. “Thank you.”

He doesn’t say anything to my gratitude, but simply gives a jerky nod. “Do more?”

I shake my head, wishing there was, but unless he can make my pain meds magically appear, I’m going to have to suffer for the next few hours. Luckily, I typically only have cramps for several hours each cycle.

“Roll over,” he says, setting the bowl and jug on the floor.

Once I’m facing away from him, I feel his warm body move so he’s pressed against my back. His arm comes around my body, the weight settling on my hip so it’s not pressing on any squishy parts of me that might cause discomfort. His big hand presses against my lower stomach, moving in slow, soothing circles.

The hair on his face gets caught in my hair, so he uses his chin to push it off my shoulders. He presses a light kiss against my neck. It’s not a sexual kiss, more like a calming gesture.

I snuggle into his chest, the muscles in my stomach finally relaxing.

Who knew being wrapped in the warmth of a man’s arms and having him lightly rub your stomach could be so effective.

twenty

Everlee

Life with Wild Man has its perks.