Risking it all (Lando Norris)

Chapter 35

Lando

I woke up to the soft, rhythmic sound of Lily's breathing, her body curled up beside mine in the small hospital bed. The sterile smell of the hospital room was softened by the warmth of her presence, a comfort I desperately needed in the midst of all the chaos. 

The early morning light filtered through the blinds, casting a soft glow on her face as she slept peacefully. Her dark hair splayed out on the pillow, and I couldn't help but reach out and gently stroke it, my fingers running through the silky strands.

She stirred slightly at my touch, her eyes fluttering open. As soon as she saw me awake, her expression shifted from sleepy contentment to concern. "Are you okay?" she asked immediately, her voice laced with worry.

I smiled softly, trying to ease her fears. "Yeah, I'm okay. The pain in my ribs isn't as bad as yesterday, but I can still feel it a bit."

She nodded, her hand moving to my chest as if to check for herself. Her touch was gentle, careful not to cause any more discomfort. "I'm glad you're feeling a bit better," she said, her voice soothing. "Let me help you up."

With her support, I managed to sit up on the edge of the bed. Every movement still sent a dull ache through my body, but it was manageable. I wasn't going to let it get in the way of spending time with her.

"We should get you cleaned up," Lily suggested, her eyes scanning the room for my toiletries. She found them on the bedside table, where she had thoughtfully placed them last night after bringing them from the hotel.

I nodded in agreement. "A shower sounds amazing right now."

She helped me up, and together we made our way to the small bathroom attached to the hospital room. My steps were slow, cautious, as I tried to avoid aggravating the pain in my ribs. Once we were inside, Lily turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature to something comfortable.

"Let me help you with your shirt," she said, stepping closer to me. Her fingers worked quickly but gently, easing my shirt off over my head. The fabric caught slightly on the bandages wrapped around my torso, and I winced involuntarily.

"Sorry," she murmured, her brow furrowing in concern as she slid the shirt off and set it aside. Her hands moved to the waistband of my sweatpants next, carefully guiding them down my legs.

I was left standing in just my boxers, feeling oddly vulnerable but entirely comforted by her presence. Lily was so focused on making sure I was okay, her care and attention to detail leaving me in awe of how much she cared for me. With a soft smile, she reached for the waistband of my boxers, her movements tender as she helped me out of them.

Once I was undressed, she gently guided me into the shower. The warm water cascaded over my skin, soothing some of the aches and pains that still lingered. 

Lily stepped in with me, her clothes joining mine in a pile on the bathroom floor. She picked up the loofah, lathering it with body wash, and began to wash my body with such softness that it felt more like a caress.

"Does this hurt?" she asked, her voice low as she carefully moved the loofah over my injured ribs.

"No, it's okay," I reassured her, closing my eyes as I focused on the feel of her hands on my skin. It wasn't just the physical comfort that soothed me; it was the emotional connection we shared in this moment. There was something deeply intimate about her caring for me like this, something that went beyond words.

She continued to wash me, taking extra care around my injuries, her movements slow and deliberate. When she was done, she handed me the loofah so I could return the favor, but I just shook my head.