Selina's breath hitched, her pulse drumming. She hadn't expected him to lower himself like this—to offer such a humble gesture of care. But the moment of softness was fleeting as she hardened her resolve.
She thrust her hand forward again, her voice sharpening. "I'm not helpless. I can apply this myself."
Zane let out a frustrated sigh, but he didn't waver.
"I know you're not," he said, his voice thick with guilt she couldn't ignore. "And I… I haven't been there for you before. Let me do the small things now. Let me be here for you, Selina."
Wrapping his fingers around her ankle, Zane lifted her injured leg and placed it gently on his thigh. He dipped a clean towel into the water, his focus fixed on the task. But as he worked, his gaze kept betraying him, stealing glances at her skin. That was when something on her belly caught his attention.
