"This is the perfect time to be bullied. In bed. By you."
Gabriel let out a breath of quiet laughter, amused despite himself. "You think flattery will distract me?"
"No," Damian murmured, dipping forward to brush his lips against the corner of Gabriel's jaw, "but I think touching you will."
Gabriel turned his head, slowly, until they were nose to nose. His breath fanned across Damian's cheek, sharp and familiar.
"You're sore."
"I can still move."
"Your ether channels are burned."
"And my instincts are intact," Damian replied, thumb brushing under the hem of Gabriel's shirt. "Especially when my mate's in bed, warm, and bossy."
Gabriel narrowed his eyes. "You're going to regret this when your back seizes and Marin finds out you tried to seduce me while technically under medical supervision."
Damian's voice dipped lower. "Then help me forget the pain before that happens."
Gabriel rolled his eyes. "You are the worst patient I've ever had."
