Chapter Eighteen

Caden took special care to wash her as well as he could with her bedridden. He was thorough and gentle. Caden's eyes flew to her face when the foot he was washing moved. He watched her blink a few times before staring up at the ceiling.

"Hey, Little Sub."

Her gaze flew to him, and he could see the relief on her face.

"Master," she said and started crying.

Caden set the bowl and towel on the nightstand and went to her. He gently wrapped his arms around her. "Get it out, Little Sub. I'm here, and everything is going to be okay."

She nodded. "I know. I'm so glad you're here."

"Where else would I be?" he asked and smiled.

When she settled, he reached for some Kleenex. He wiped off her face and then held it over her nose.

"Blow," he said. He smiled when she didn't question it but did it just because he said so. Fuck, she was the perfect woman for him.

"Can I sit up?"

"Yes, but we'll take it easy." He slowly raised the top half of the bed to a forty-five-degree angle. "How's that, Baby?"

She nodded, sighed, and closed her eyes, but he could tell she was still awake.

"Let me get you some water," he said.

Bella sucked the water through the straw until half was gone. From experience, he knew how dry your mouth got when you were in the hospital.

He pushed the button, and a nurse answered.

"Yes."

"She's awake."

"That's great. I'll tell the doctor," the nurse said, and she hung up.

Within a few minutes, the door opened, and the doctor and a nurse walked in.

"Well, there she is. We've been waiting for you to wake up," the doctor said.

"Was I asleep a long time?" she asked and looked up at Caden.

He smoothed the hair from her face. "A little bit, but they weren't worried about it."

The doctor spoke to the nurse and then turned back.

"The nurse is going to take out the IV."

It was only then that Bella saw the needle in her arm and started to panic.

"Enough, Baby. They're going to take it away."

When tears started, he gained her attention and talked about her hunger while the nurse slid the needle out of her arm. He had to admit he hadn't liked the sight of it any better than she did.

He kept up his monologue and had her face turned toward him while the nurse wheeled the IV stand out of the room.

Caden stood and released her face. He knew she would immediately look at her arm.

"Oh, my. When did they take it out? I didn't feel anything," Bella said.

The doctor chuckled. "You know exactly what she needs and is going to do."

Caden smiled.

"That's what a good Dom does."

Caden's eyes locked onto his.

The doctor laughed. "Back when my wife was alive, we spent our vacations at a club in Montana."

That shocked Caden, but it shouldn't have been the case. Different people came to his club. It didn't matter who, as long as they didn't cause trouble or hurt a sub.

"I'm sorry about your wife."

"It was a blow. We were like you two. She was the other half of my soul. But I tell myself I'll be with her soon. God keeps me here because I'm good at my job, I'm guessing."

Caden grinned. "Probably. Hey, Doc, think about coming to the club. Several older men come. I even think they are widowers."

"Please call me Tom."

"Tom. I'm Caden." They shook hands.

"What do they do?" Tom asked.

"Mostly sit around and talk and drink the good scotch. When they get bored, they walk around for entertainment."

Tom laughed. "I'll think about it."

Caden nodded.

"Doctor," Bella said. "I hope you do. I'm there every night unless I get in trouble."

Caden hid a smile when she sighed dramatically.

"I think I might. It's better than sitting alone at home eating TV dinners."

Bella scrunched up her nose. "Yuk."

Both men laughed.

"Now, young lady, I need to check your wound."

Bella cleared her throat. "Do you have to call it that? Can't you call it something else?"

Caden chuckled.

"I sure can. What do you think I should call it?" Tom asked.

"I don't want to sound like a child, but what about calling it a booboo or an owie?" she asked. Caden laughed and let the doctor deal with it.

Tom snorted. "All right. Now, I need to see your … booboo, so I need you on your side."

Bella scrunched up. "I'll think of something else to call it. I think that sounded too childish." She looked up at him. "What do you think, Master?"

Caden tried to look serious. "I think the doctor will let us call it anything you want. Remember, you're not going to have the staples too long."

"Staples?"

Caden heard the panic and could have kicked himself.

"I want to see," she cried and tried to move the fabric out of the way.

Caden lowered the bed and then turned her on her side. He lowered himself until they were face to face. "Stop moving, Little Sub. You can look later."

"No, Master…"

"Enough," he said in his Dom's voice. "Later. Let the doctor look at it. He wants to make sure it's healing the way it should."

She calmed down and only flinched when the air hit the bare skin, the bandage was pulled off, and then the doctor's fingers.

"You're being such a good girl."

She sniffed and nodded. "I know."

Both men laughed.

"Well, young lady, it looks really good. I still want you to stay overnight." He started to put a new bandage over the injury.

"Wait," she cried out.

"Bella," Caden said. She instantly froze, knowing he was serious when he called her. "We are going to listen to the doctor because we all want you well."

"I know it's not your home, young lady," Tom said. "But all you have to do is eat and sleep, and then in the morning, you'll be able to go."

"Can I watch TV? I never have a chance at home," Bella said.

"Absolutely. I'm not sure what's on, but I think you'll find something to watch," Tom said. "Now, I need to go see my other patients. The nurse will go over everything you need to know, but they are always there if you have questions. They'll call if you need anything. Otherwise, I will see you soon."

Bella gasped when she understood what he was saying and then squealed. "You'll come and see us?"

"Yes. I'd like to see the place."

"You'll love it," Bella said.

"I'm sure I will. Now rest."

They watched the doctor wave and leave the room.

"Master, I need to use the bathroom."

Caden nodded. "I'll carry you."

"I know," she said and grinned.