Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1854

The wounds weren't fatal, but they still had to hurt.

On his back alone, there were several deep scratches that were at least eight inches long.

They were clearly gouged by sharp branches, and they had to be incredibly painful!

His legs were the same—some cuts were impossible to identify, but they were covered in minor lacerations from top to bottom.

Sniffling, Elysia grabbed the first-aid kit with red-rimmed eyes and quietly began cleaning him up.

Tears slipped down her cheeks as she worked.

Seeing the man she loved battered like this tore her apart!

Her heartache for him only made Tarquin's heart ache for her. He gently wiped her tears away to comfort her.

"I'm completely fine. Honestly, these don't even count as injuries to me."

Having endured far worse since childhood, these superficial cuts didn't bother him in the slightest.

But that didn't work on Elysia. Hearing him say that only made her hurt for him even more!

She didn't say a word, just methodically cleaned and treated every single scratch on his body before quietly packing up the supplies.

Tarquin caught her wrist, tossed the rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs into the kit, and effortlessly scooped her up, carrying her toward the bed.

Lowering her onto the mattress and hovering over her, he asked softly, "Are you hurting for me?"

Elysia's lip quivered, and she threw her arms around his neck, finally bursting into soft sobs.

Tarquin's eyes softened with absolute adoration as he kissed her hair and gently stroked the back of her head.

After crying for a moment, Elysia loosened her grip. Lying back on the bed, she looked up at him through teary eyes.

"You are never allowed to let yourself get banged up like this ever again. Not even minor cuts!"

Tarquin wiped her tears and gave her cheek a gentle squeeze. "Deal."

With that, he leaned down to kiss the tears from her lashes, brushed his lips over her dainty nose, and finally captured her lips in an impossibly tender kiss.

Moments ago, he had been a ravenous wolf, but now he was as gentle as a golden retriever.

A long while later, Elysia's body suddenly tensed. She grabbed his wrist right through his shirt.

"Your injuries..."

Tarquin murmured softly, "I'm perfectly fine, baby. I need you."

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