Cloud looked up from where she was curled in the back of Sky’s The Limit’s stall. She’d heard the barn doors open, and she had little doubt that it was her husband. She looked back down, her hair falling over her face. Had she made a mistake in letting Brad stay? Montgomery was violent now. He’d never hit her before…
“Cloud?”
Her voice was quiet when she responded. “What…?”
“Where are you?”
Cloud glanced at the horse next to her, knowing she’d be safe as long as she was there. “In Limit’s stall…”
DeadShot made his way down the aisle of the barn; carefully eyeing Sky’s The Limit once he reached the stall. Cloud didn’t move from her spot toward the back, so he carefully stepped in and gathered her to him, nudging the ice pack she held against her cheek aside to check her over.
“I know he’s your friend, but if he lays a hand on you again…”
Cloud glanced up at him at his threat, wondering for a moment just how protective he was. He hugged her and Cloud burrowed against him, seeking out the comfort and protection that she knew his body would give. A small shiver ran through her body as he ran his hand down her back and she looked up at him.
“Will you be okay?”
There was a concerned look on her husband’s face and she nodded slightly. He gently brushed his fingers over her cheek, causing her to flinch.
He took his hand away. “I’m sorry, Beautiful.”
Cloud shook her head. “Jus’ sore…”
DeadShot nodded and kissed her cheek.
She leaned against his chest, welcoming his gentleness. She looked up at him, pausing for a moment before she spoke. “Make love to me?”
He blinked, startled by her question. “A-are you sure?”
Cloud bit her lip, watching him as she gave a timid nod. DeadShot gently brushed his mouth over hers, giving her time to accept before he deepened the kiss. Cloud responded, her eyes closed.
“Not in here…” He murmured, breaking the kiss.
“I know…Wasn’ planning on it…”
DeadShot stood and picked her up, cradling her in his arms. “We’ll leave the ice in the freezer. You shouldn’t leave it on too long.”
Cloud answered with a small nod, her arms around his neck. He carried her inside the house, stopping in the kitchen to put the ice pack in the freezer before continuing to their room.
He watched her as he set her on the bed. “Are you sure?”
She looked up at him, focusing her eyes on his as she nodded. She returned the kiss he gave her, her hand finding it’s way through his hair, down his back, and inside his shirt.
His eyes slid closed for a moment. “Your hands are so warm…”
Cloud blushed as he nuzzled her neck, carefully untucking her shirt in the process. He slid his fingers through her feathers, causing her to shiver.
She leaned against his hand, tentative. “W-will you not touch me there…? Please…?”
He took his hand away. “Where can I touch you?”
“Anywhere but there…” She motioned just past her waist, her body shaking again.
“How-“ DeadShot sighed and shook his head.
“Jus’…No’ with your hands…Please…” Cloud watched him nod. “Are you mad a’ me…?”