"That could have gone better," I muttered and Ric chuckled, lightly kissing my bare shoulder before he rested his hand on mine. "Guess I'll just have to face Pincus when we get back to Howlington."
"Not alone, Alex. I'll be there with you every step of the way." Ric assured me, handing me my shirt once I pulled my bra back on. "Besides you're only out here because of me."
"Hey, I chose to come looking for you, Ric. I knew what could happen once Pincus found me missing." I answered, buttoning the shirt but when I reached for my jeans I winced. I barely even made a noise but Ric noticed, taking my jeans away. "Ric, now what are you doing?"
"Helping you dress of course, Alex. Look I know you're trying to hide it but you're still recovering and last night didn't help." Ric told me, showing his teeth when a deep blush spread over my face and neck. "So let me help okay?"
"Alright, Ric. I really do need your help. Between walking all the way out here and last night I can barely stay on my feet." I admitted and Ric grinned at me, lightly nuzzling my face.
"Then that settles it." Ric announced and I blinked at him once he raised his head, still smiling at me. After helping me into my jeans Ric set me back on the blanket, redressing before he started to pack. When I opened my mouth he turned his head giving me that same smile that had my heart racing.
"I know you want to help, Alex but it's fine," Ric told me and I sighed, nodding at him and as I watched him finishing packing our bags I leaned back slightly staring at the camera. "There we go. All done." He added, looking up in time to see me staring at the camera. "Don't look so worried. I disconnected that camera after I snuck into the Wolf-a-torium."
"You are just full of surprises aren't you, Mr. Rawls?" I grinned and he nodded at me, pushing himself. Stepping over to me Ric offered his arm, helping me to my feet and once I was steady he grabbed both bags. "I can carry my own bag."
"Uh uh, Alex I'm carrying both. Just until I'm completely sure you're fine." Ric insisted and I groaned though when I took a step toward the entrance I trembled slightly a fact not lost on Ric who offered me his arm again. "I know how you want to be brave but it's okay, Alex." He soothed me, draping an arm around my shoulders. "You don't have to pretend everything's fine with me."
"I want to do more but my leg's not strong enough yet and I know that," I muttered in a small voice, leaning on Ric who listened to me breathing faster. "Still hate having to admit it."
"You don't have to do everything on your own. I'll be there if you need me okay?" Ric said after a pause and I gave him a slight nod, feeling his fingers squeezing mine. Once I was sure that my legs could hold me up I started to walk again, taking it easy and as we exited the Wolf-a-torium I breathed out hoping that I could make it back under my own power.
Ric, shouldering both bags kept his eyes on me the entire way back, blinking when I paused at the gate that led into Howlington. Seeing me breathing fast he stepped close, setting down our bags before he rested a hand on my shoulder. Feeling me trembling he gently drew me into his arms and after a slight pause, I wrapped my arms around him, letting my boyfriend hold me.
"We're in this together, Alex. Take as much time as you need to rest and recover." Ric told me and I nodded, grabbing at my backpack but Ric snatched it away with a playful grin. "Oh no you don't." He told me and I rolled my eyes, falling into step beside him when we resumed the rest of our walk back with a tiny smile on my lips. "Ready to face Pincus?"
"As ready as I'll ever be." I replied, looking up to find Pincus standing at the front door to Howlington with her arms crossed and her lips pressed together.