After the disinfecting was finished, I didn't bandage him, as it would be better for the wounds to just scab over.
Instead, I couldn't resist and traced an old whip scar with my fingertips. It was on Jude's lower back, not on his shoulders, like his current wounds. Surprisingly, this contact brought Jude to tremble, a low growl coming from his throat.
"Sorry." I said, and took my hand away again. But I couldn't just let him lay here alone and bloody. Putting the first aid kit down on the floor, I changed the direction I sat in, leaned with my dress, and all against the headboard beside Jude.
My hand found his hair on its own. With his head turned away from me and his eyes hidden, it was so much easier to touch him. I heard him sigh in satisfaction and was again reminded of a cat—a much larger cat.
