Caged (Defiant Kings, #1)

by Bella Matthews

I hurry across the cold floor to where Hudson sits reclined on one of those fancy armchairs at the end of the sectional. His leg is raised in front of him, and a commentator on ESPN is discussing his upcoming fight. Hudson looks up at me, and the look on his face breaks my heart a little. “How are you feeling, Mads?” There’s no silly smile, only exhaustion pulling at the corners of his eyes. “You’re the one who got hurt. Because you were making sure I was safe.” Once the towel is wrapped around the peas, I place them gently on his knee. “The doctor said you need to keep ice on it.” Hudson pats the couch next to him. “Sit down, Madison. You look like you’re about to fall over.” “I’m fine.” I hold up the banana and water. “Are you hungry?” He takes them from me and puts them on the end table. “No. I ate before I came back to the gym. How about you? Have you eaten anything? Do you need to test your sugar or something?” I stare at him, not sure why I’m surprised he’d even think to ask that. Everyone knows I’m a diabetic, even if it’s not something I make a big deal about. “I had some trail mix at the hospital. But I should probably check my sugar. And maybe take a shower. I never got one after my class tonight.” “The shower in my bathroom is the only one with soap and shampoo. It’s at the end of the hall at the top of the stairs.” He points behind me. “There’s a linen cabinet inside with clean towels and a laundry basket by my bed that has clean clothes in it, if you want to b...