Chapter 53
The phone rings, startling me from my brooding. It’s been two weeks since I wrenched my neck in the scrum against the Barracudas, and the pain has only worsened.
“Miss Morgan? This is Dr. Chen, your physical therapist.” His voice is brisk and businesslike as always. “I’ve reviewed your latest scans, and it looks like we’ll need to intensify your treatment. You’ll need to increase your heat therapy and follow each session with icing. Plus, you’ll need to come into the clinic more than you have been. This type of injury can’t just be treated at home.”
“Even more heat and ice?” I groan. The lads are already hovering around me constantly, waiting on my every beck and call. Now they’ll be setting timers and creating a full schedule to ensure I follow the doc’s orders.
“It’s the only way to reduce inflammation and ease the pain so you can get back on the pitch,” Dr. Chen says sternly. “No rugby for at least a month otherwise.”
I bite back another groan. A month without rugby might just kill me. “Alright, I’ll do it.”
“Excellent. Keep me posted on your progress, and we’ll see about adjusting things again in a few weeks.” He hangs up before I can reply.
Jayden, Killian and Noah are watching me with identical expressions of concern. I know they listened in on the call, probably huddled around the phone to catch every word.
“Did he say a month without rugby?” Jayden asks, appalled. The other two pale in unison. My injury is nearly as upsetting to them as it is to me. They’ve appointed themselves my personal nurses, waiting on me hand and foot.
“A month of rest and then physical therapy,” I confirm. “But the heat and icing will help speed up the healing.”
Noah’s jaw firms with determination. “Then heat and icing it is. Timers are set for every two hours. You just say the word, Dylan, and we’ll give you whatever you need.” His smoldering gaze promises far more than pain relief. My inner thighs clench in response and I have to look away.
These men will be the death of me, in more ways than one. But I can’t deny I’m grateful for their attentiveness. For the first time, I feel like my worth extends beyond my performance on the pitch. To Jayden, Killian, Noah and Kai, I’m more than just a rugby player. I’m the woman they all love and want to care for and protect. It’s a heady feeling, and one I’m still getting used to. But I could get used to this.
The next day, the guys present me with a gift. A rugby referee whistle.
“You blow this whenever you need anything,” Jayden says. “Food, drink, heat, ice, pain meds, a shoulder rub.” He waggles his eyebrows. “Or anything else you might desire.”
Killian smirks. “Anything at all. We’re at your beck and call, angel.”
Noah’s expression is more serious. “You just focus on healing. Let us handle your every need.”
Touched, I blink back the sting in my eyes. “You guys, this is too much.”
“Nonsense,” Jayden scoffs. “You’d do the same for us.”
“And more,” Killian adds softly.
Noah takes my hand, his rough palm enveloping my own. “You’re not in this alone, Dylan. We’re here for you, every step of the way.”
I squeeze his hand, a lump forming in my throat. After years of struggling to prove my worth, it’s almost too much to comprehend, having not one, but four, amazing men who love and support me so unconditionally, even when one of them is far away. But I’m learning to accept it. And with them by my side, this injury that once seemed catastrophic now feels more like a temporary setback. Together, we can overcome any obstacle. My heart swells with equal parts love and gratitude for these men who have made me part of their world. Looks like my time on the sidelines won’t be so bad after all.
A few hours later, my neck is throbbing. Noah checks his watch. “Time for more ice. I’ll grab a fresh bag.”
“Let me help,” Jayden says. Before I can protest, he scoops me into his arms.
Killian tucks a pillow under my head. “Comfortable, love?”
I nod, settling in. Jayden lowers me until I’m cradled in his lap, my head resting in the crook of his neck.
Noah returns and tears open the ice pack, slipping it under my neck. I gasp at the cold, but Jayden’s warmth offsets the chill.
“Too cold?” Noah asks, concerned.
“No, it’s perfect.” The contrast is oddly pleasurable. I close my eyes, focusing on the sensations.
A moment later, there’s a new sensation—the slide of ice along my collarbone. My eyes fly open to find Noah trailing the ice up my neck, his eyes molten. I shiver, but not from the cold.
“Shh,” Jayden murmurs, running his hands up and down my arms. “Relax.”
The ice continues its path, leaving a trail of goosebumps in its wake. Noah slides an ice cube into his mouth, then leans down to capture my lips in a searing kiss. I moan into his mouth as the chill of his lips mingles with the heat of his tongue.
Another set of hands, Killian’s, come around to tease my nipples through my shirt. I gasp, arching into his touch, momentarily forgetting my injury. A sharp pain shoots through my neck and I cry out.
The sensations stop immediately. “Dylan, are you alright?” Noah asks, panic lacing his voice.
Jayden rubs soothing circles on my temples. “We’re so sorry, baby.”
I crack one eye open. All three of them look stricken. I manage a weak smile. “My own fault. Got a bit carried away.”
“We shouldn’t have—“ Killian begins.
“Hush,” I interrupt. “I’m fine. And that was...incredible, until the end. Maybe we try again in a few days?”
Noah chuckles. “You’re impossible.”
“And you love me for it,” I tease.
“That we do,” Jayden says softly, kissing my forehead. “That we do.”