Read Online Challenge: A Contemporary MMA Romance: Oni Fighters Book 3 by Natalie Gayle - Free Book Online Page B

was it. Thirty years later, we’re still together, better than ever. When you know, you know!”
    She was working on his legs now and I had moved around to run more lotion down his arms. I’d never tire of the feel of touching his hard muscles, I just wished so much he was awake to touch me back.
    “I’m not supposed to say anything but I’ve got a feeling he’s going to wake up soon.”
    I looked up at her. “Why do you think that?” If I was going to hope, I wanted to at least try to understand her reasoning for it.
    “The doctor removed the intubation before, and I’ve noticed a bit of muscle movement. Over the last few hours. Just little flutters. If you pay attention, you’ll see it. It won’t hurt at all to have you give him a good firm massage as you rub that lotion in. His body will remember your touch, even if he doesn’t so much at the moment.”
    I followed Nancy’s instructions and massaged a little firmer, treating him more as if I would if everything were normal.
    “Are his feet normally ticklish?” Nancy asked with mischief in her eyes.
    “Yesss…”
    “Now’s your chance. Give them a good old tickle and see what happens.”
    I squirted some more lotion into my hand and rubbed it into his feet firmly. Then, I went to tickle him when something occurred to me.
    “I’m not sure this is a good idea. Seth has got a mean kick on him and it seriously hurts if he lands it.”
    “I thought you’re a fighter. Aren’t you supposed to stay out of range?”
    “Good point, well made.” I ran my fingertips up the sole of his foot and tickled. He flinched!
    “Did you see that?” I screeched.
    “I sure did.”
    I tried it again and got the same reaction.
    “You going to wake up for your pretty lady, Seth? I’m sure she’d like you to be keeping her company here.”
    Nancy spoke to Seth as she patted him dry.
    I stared at his face and wondered if I’d imagined it or did his eyes move?
    She efficiently finished the remainder of his bath and packed up her trolley while we both chatted and I rubbed in more lotion.
    “Right. I’ll be back in a little while to do some more obs. Looks like the doc wants to talk to you.”
    I was so busy massaging and chatting with Nancy that I hadn’t noticed the doctor approach.
    “How are you today, Sophia?”
    “Well, thank you.”
    “And how’s our patient?”
    I didn’t want to sound too excited. “He seems a lot more responsive. He flinched quite noticeably when I tickled his feet and I’m sure his eyes have been fluttering.”
    He nodded, not commenting one way or the other. “Well, that’s something. I just wanted to let you know that the orthopedic surgeon assessed him this morning. He’s scheduled the operation for later this afternoon. The swelling has receded enough.”
    “That’s good, isn’t it?”
    “All part of the process. We need to get his pelvis stabalised, then, if all goes well, he’ll be able to recover from the fracture as well as the TBI.”
    “TBI?”
    “Sorry, Traumatic Brain Injury. That’s what we call these.”
    It sounded terrible and what’s more—terrifying.
    “Seth is still in a coma however, there has been no sign of further swelling or any bleeds in his brain. That’s great news, from our perspective.”
    It was the professional answer. “But don’t get my hopes up for him to come out of this on a particular timeframe.”
    He gave me a warm smile and a nod. “You got it in one. Small steps. They’ll be taking him to theatre around two I think.”
    “Thanks.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    Dr. Wilkinson gave me a reassuring pat on the arm before turning and moving on with his rounds.
    I stepped over to the bed and took Seth’s hand firmly in both of mine. “Well, Seth, anytime you want to wake up would be just fine. I need to know so many things, but most of all I need to know you’re okay.”
    I felt the tears threaten to fall again. They had been a most unwelcome companion the last few days. I hated