Chapter 225

Gabriel winced, his face twisting in pain. “Ouch, Isla, that hurts.” His voice came out soft, like a whisper, as he watched her gentle hands work on his bruised knuckles.

Isla’s fingers trembled a little as she cleaned the wounds with a damp cloth. She bit her lip, focusing hard. “Hold still, okay?” she murmured, her voice full of worry.

She disinfected the cuts next, the sharp smell of alcohol filling the room. Gabriel hissed again, but he didn’t pull away. Then she wrapped fresh bandages around his hand.

Her heart pounded again. He was her everything, but moments like this scared her. What if he got hurt worse next time?

“Gabriel, you should’ve let someone fix this at the office,” she said, her tone sharp with scolding. “What if it gets infected? You can’t just ignore important things like that.” Her eyes met his, pleading. She hated seeing him in pain, and hated how reckless he became.

He glanced down at her work, the white bandage neat and secure. A small chuckle escaped him, light and teasing. It eased the tension in his chest, made him feel a bit normal again.

“This isn’t funny,” Isla snapped, grabbing the first aid box.

She stood up quickly, her cheeks flushing with frustration.

Turning away, she carried it to the dresser. Why did he laugh? Didn’t he see how much she worried?”Okay, I’m sorry, my love,” Gabriel said, his laugh fading into a soft smile. “I’ll be more careful next time. Promise.” But the chuckle lingered in his voice, it was warm and affectionate. He reached out with his good hand, but she was already moving:

Isla wasn’t in the mood for jokes. Her mind swirled with fear-what if infection spread? What if he lost the use of his hand? She climbed back into bed. Lying down, she turned her back to him, curling up tight.

Their children were asleep in the crib, inside the nursery nearby, their little world is so fragile. She needed him and their children too. She can’t afford for anything to happen to any of them.

Gabriel’s chuckle grew softer and more tender. He scooted closer, his bandaged hand resting lightly on the mattress.

With his other arm, he gently pulled her toward him. She felt his warmth before his lips touched hers-soft, insistent.

The kiss surprised her, sending a shiver through her body.

She froze, her heart slamming hard. It had been weeks since they’d been close like this. Her body still felt raw from birth, stitches. She was still healing slowly.

And that kiss… it stirred something deep, something scary inside her.

Pregnancy.

The word flashed in her mind like a warning. Her pulseraced wild, breath catching. What if it happened again?

The pain, the fear, the endless nights?

Gabriel sensed her fear right away-her body stiff, her lips still under his. He knew that fear. He had seen it in her eyes since the baby came. Pulling back just enough, he smiled against her mouth, his breath warm.

“Hey, relax,” he whispered. “Your body’s still recovering, Love. I know that. I’m not pushing for anything more than this innocent kiss. Don’t be scared.” His voice was gentle, reassuring, but inside, his own heart twisted.

He missed her so much, he missed her touch. But he wouldn’t rush her. Not after what she’d been through.

Isla’s chest tightened. She flinched inside, memories flooding back: the labor pains ripping through her, the stitches burning, the exhaustion that wouldn’t end. It was all too fresh, and too real. Her body ached just thinking about it.

Yes, she understood that her husband has needs. And she really commend him for his patience. But she still can’t risk getting close to him.

Gabriel saw the fear on her face. Isla was always so quick with words. But now, she was quiet, and too distant. It hurt him, seeing her like this. Shaking his head slowly, he took her hands in his, he was careful with the bandage.

He shifted to sit up straighter, pulling her into his lap. Her, head rested against his chest, right over his heartbeat. Hekissed her forehead, his lips lingering there, breathing in her scent. “I love you, Isla,” his voice was low and calm.

“You know I’d never hurt you. Never. But you have to understand… I’m a man. I can hold back, but there’s a limit to it. I need you. All of you.” His words carried the weight of his longing, the ache he’d buried for weeks.

Isla listened, her ear pressed to his chest. His heartbeat thrummed, matching her own racing one. She nodded slowly, bobbing her head against him. She remembered that the doctor said they can have sex after four weeks.

But she was still scared.

Breastfeeding would help with planning, and protection if needed. But the thought of another pregnancy gripped her like ice. She can’t go through that again. At least, not yet.

She understood that Gabriel is patient. He has been very patient with her. She thought of what she could do for him. Then she smiled as a thought came to her mind.

“I love you too, Gabriel,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She shifted, climbing onto his lap, straddling him. Her hands slid around his neck, her fingers threading into his hair. Leaning in, she pressed her lips to his. It was softer at first, then deeper, pouring her heart into it. Anything to ease his need.

Gabriel blinked, caught off guard. But as she deepened the kiss, hunger flared. He took over, kissing her harder, his tongue slipping into her mouth. Tasting hersweetness, sucking gently on her tongue.

They battled for control, breaths mingling hot and fast.

Isla’s hips moved on instinct, grinding against the hardness growing under her. His cock strained through his pants, it was thick and ready. The friction sent sparks through her, even as her body whispered caution.

He groaned into her mouth, the sound raw and deep. It vibrated between them. Then he pulled back, both panting heavy, chests rising and falling. Sweat beaded on his skin. Gabriel chuckled, breathless, his eyes dark with desire. Isla giggled too, a nervous, excited sound that lightened the mood.

“You’re crazy, you know that?” he said, grinning, his hands on her hips. “What do you think you’re doing, teasing me like this?”

Her cheeks warmed, but she held his gaze, biting her lip. “I just want to please my man,” she replied, voice husky. “If you can’t fuck my pussy yet-because I just gave birth-you can fuck my mouth. Let me take care of you.” The words felt bold, vulnerable, but it was right. She wanted to give him this, to feel close without the fear.

Gabriel’s eyes darkened further, pupils blowing wide.

Desire hit him like a wave, his cock twitching hard. “Are you sure?” he asked with a rough voice searching her face for any doubt.

She nodded, smiling shyly, her lip caught between her teeth again.

He growled low, it was so animalistic. “uck it. Take me into your mouth right now.” His hands guided her down, heart pounding with anticipation and love.