Free Maiden and the Lion by Lizzie Lynn Lee

sex.
    “Well.” Dr Adam finished with his examination and peeled off his gloves. “Your hymen was ruptured, but you don’t have any tears like Mr Larousse was worried about. Only slight bruises and hairline lacerations. I recommend avoiding sexual activity for at least three days to let the cuts heal on their own. You won’t need any stitches.”
    Yikes. “Okay. Thank you, Doctor.”
    “Have a good day, Ms Summer.” He grabbed his medical bag then went out to see Alex.
    Bea got dressed with a grumble. She had never thought having sex could have complicated consequences. Good lord. She slapped her forehead. They hadn’t used any protection last night. Could werelions impregnate a human female?
    Alex came in ten minutes later. She didn’t think he was over his guilt yet.
    “Are you all right?” he asked.
    “I’m fine, Alex. Really.”
    “I’m sorry, Bea…”
    She tiptoed and kissed him. “It was worth it.”
    Alex smiled. “Babe. Mine. My woman.”
    His woman. Bea felt all bubbly inside. Her annoyance at him melted away. “It’s ten past eight. I have to get ready go to work.”
    “Oh no. You stay home today.”
    “But I’m fine.”
    “This isn’t negotiable. I want you to sit still and rest.”
    “You’re not firing me, are you?” She stared at him with suspicion.
    “You don’t need a job, Bea. You’re my mate. I’ll take care of you.”
    “What am I going to do during the day?”
    “Shopping or redecorate this apartment. Have fun with your friends. Listen, we’ll talk about this later, okay? I have business to attend to.”
    “Who’s going to answer your calls if I’m not in?”
    “I’ll have Krueger arrange a temp. Today, I want you to rest and nothing else. The housekeeper is in at nine. She’ll clean up for a couple hours then you’ll have the apartment to yourself. The fridge is fully stocked if you’re hungry. And if you’re in the mood for a takeout, I’ll arrange for my men to get it for you. Just dial nine and someone will answer. Take a nap. Watch TV. Relax, okay?”
    “Okay.”
    “I love you, Bea. Wait for me until I get home.”
    “Just don’t get yourself shot again.”
    “You’re adorable.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Bea had just finished her lunch when the doorbell rang. She put the plate in the sink and hurried to answer. A woman with dark hair and a café-au-lait complexion, dressed in a two-piece business suit stood at the door. She was very pretty with large dark eyes and dazzling white teeth. Bea recognised her from the papers. She was Cat Kovac, Gabriel Larousse’s wife—the detective.
    “Hello,” the woman said. “You must be Beatrice.”
    “How do you know my name?”
    “Oh, a little legwork. I’m Cat by the way. I’m Gabriel’s wife.”
    “I know you. I mean, I’ve seen you in the newspapers and the magazines.”
    Cat made a face. “That whole thing was rather overblown. May I come in?”
    “God. Where are my manners? Do please come in.”
    “Thank you.”
    Cat brushed past her and stepped into the living room. “You know, I’ve never been into Alex’s place before, even though we live on the same floor.” She looked around. “Very neat, just like him.”
    “It’s an awesome apartment. Would you like something to drink?” Bea studied Gabriel’s mate. As the wife of a powerful billionaire, she didn’t have an air of haughtiness as one might expect from a woman of her social status. In fact, Cat appeared down-to-earth and friendly. Her clothes seemed to come from a department store rack instead of designer boutiques. Her purse and shoes were ordinary, not thousand-dollar items. She didn’t appear to be a snob at all. Bea liked her immediately.
    “Maybe water if you don’t mind? I wouldn’t imagine Alex has soda in his fridge. He’s a health freak. Protein shakes and stuff.”
    She was right. Alex’s fridge was stocked with organic vegetables and fruits and lean meats. No cookies or cakes or fun snacks. “I’ll get you some