Free Dark Prince by Michelle M. Pillow

took her medicine, Yusef touched her back to help her lift up. She was hot. "Let’s get this tunic off and I’ll get some of that cream on you."
    "You’d like that, wouldn’t you, knight," she mumbled. But she did not fight him when he lifted the shirt off her skin so she could lie against the cold sheets. A weak moan left her lips as she shut her eyes and concentrated on being very still.
    He slowly rubbed the cream over her burning body, careful to keep his touch light. Almost instantly the worst of the burn faded and she felt better. She moaned again, but this time it was in pleasure. His light touch was creating a burn all its own and if she wasn’t so sore, she was sure she’d have jumped on top of him.
    Yusef’s body lurched in answering response to the soft, feminine sound. He quickly held his passions at bay. Now was definitely not the time.
    Peeking at him through red eyelids, she said, "You’re quite the nursemaid."
    Her tone was soft and he could tell by the look on her face that those simple words were the closest she had ever come to saying thank you. He smiled at her, running his hands over her face. His palm whispered over her lips and she shivered uncontrollably.
    He wished to have his fingers linger on her skin, but he forced them to make quick work of his task. She was in no condition to receive his attentions. When her body was soothed and healing, he placed eye drops into her eyes, and covered her with the sheet.
    Olena smiled wryly at him even as the pain pills kicked in, forcing her to fall into a drug induced sleep.
    Yusef stood, looking down at his wife. Her face was rosy, but not as bad as a moment ago. Her hair was tousled around her head in damp tangles. Slowly, he shook his head and picked up his discarded tunic.
    Retrieving a brush from the bathroom, he brushed her hair out for her in quick strokes, doing what he could to keep the locks from drying into knots. Then, going to the kitchen, he made himself breakfast and ate alone at his dining table.
    The second day of his marriage was spent as the first, tending to an unconscious, sick wife.
    * * * *
    That evening when Olena awoke, it was to find Yusef at the end of the bed. His feet were resting on the edge, the legs of his chair pushed back to tilting. He was studying her intently.
    Olena flushed. She was lying on her side. Her arm was beneath her head, the other bent seductively over her waist, and the top sheet was pulled down around her hips to reveal her breasts and stomach.
    "Don’t move," Yusef ordered quietly. He worked his hands, but she couldn’t see what he was doing in the dim light. His voice was low and hoarse as he spoke. Something in his tone kept her from sitting up.
    "What are you doing?" Olena asked. Suddenly scowling, she asked, "You’re not … ah, playing with yourself, are you, knight?"
    Yusef chuckled, before saying honestly, "No, wife, I would rather have you play with me."
    Olena blushed. Yusef couldn’t see it in her rosy features.
    "So what are you doing then?" she asked. Her lids dipped slightly over her vivid green eyes.
    "I’m carving you," he answered. Suddenly, he dropped his feet. The chair righted itself with a thud. Yusef set a small knife on his dresser. "You can move now."
    Olena sat up, pulling the sheet to hide her breasts.
    "How do you feel?" he asked, standing.
    "Ah, fine. I’ve been through worse. But I tell you if that Tal comes at me with another shot, I might lay him out good."
    Yusef chuckled. "I would be nice to him if I were you. He’s saved your life twice."
    "Oh." Her frown deepened, and she grumbled, "I’ll send him a card or something."
    "That won’t be necessary," Yusef laughed. "Tal sent the bill around this afternoon."
    "You’re a nobleman," she said, defensive. "I am sure you can afford it."
    Yusef’s smile faded and he watched her carefully. "What makes you think I am a nobleman?"
    "The servant at the festival called you lordship and this house," she answered smoothly.