Chapter 17

Gaius’ POV

I try my best not to flinch when Avery dabs some antiseptic on my shoulder, but it hurts too much not to, and I hiss, “Fuck!”

My little nurse raises a disapproving brow at me and I roll my eyes as I re-exclaim dramatically, “Ouch!”

She uses the cloth that’s slung over her shoulder to swipe at me, and I lift my hand to shield my face against her onslaught.

“I’m teaching you the right thing, Gaius,” she iterates, “Don’t be such a pain about it.”

I give her a disbelieving look, “You’re teaching me how not to swear and expect me not to slip up sometimes?” I reach out to grab her waist and deadpan, “You must be the queen of impossible for that to happen.”

She makes a mock curtsy and resumes her actions. This time she prods the injury too hard, and I gasp, “Shit!”

Avery drops the forceps and cotton swab in her hand and gives me a serious look, “I’m not asking you to stop completely. I’m just concerned that everything about you sc