“I said, what are you doing?” Damian repeated, his voice low but firm.
Aria clutched the ointment in her hand. “I want to treat your back,” she said gently.
“That’s not required. I’m fine,” Damian replied, turning away.
“No, you’re not,” she whispered. “I know you’re hurting.”
Damian looked at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. She took a small step closer and added, “Please…”
He seemed to hesitate, his jaw tightening, but after a moment he silently walked over and sat on the edge of the bed.
Aria exhaled softly and moved behind him. As she applied the ointment to the bruises on his back, her fingers moved carefully, gently, like she was trying to soothe more than just the physical pain. Her heart fluttered as he allowed her to care for him.
When she finished, she ste
