Gideon appeared right in front of her, his sudden proximity making her pulse quicken. He reached out, his fingers brushing a few stray locks of hair away from her face before he lowered himself, kneeling on the floor before her.
Confused by the sudden gesture, Adeline looked down at him as he took her hands in his.
"I forgot to ask this earlier, but has your back improved? Will you allow me to check the wounds myself?" he asked, his gaze searching hers for permission.
"I don't feel any pain anymore, so I think it has healed," Adeline answered
"I still would like to see it," Gideon affirmed, his thumb grazing her knuckles. "I don't want scars to be left behind. Not because I would care, but because I know it will hurt you to see your skin marked that way."
Adeline pursed her lips and gave a small, hesitant nod. She shifted on the bed, turning her back to him, and cautiously lifted the hem of the oversized T-shirt just high enough to reveal the area where the wounds had been.
