Be Gentle

"Ow!" Everly winced, a sharp intake of breath escaping her lips as Ivan delicately pressed the ice pack against her bruised eye. "Easy," she murmured, perched on the edge of the bed while Ivan towered over her.

 

Ania, lounging in a nearby chair, glanced up from her phone with a smirk. "Yeah, Ivan, go easy on her," she teased.

 

"I am. I'm being as gentle as I can." Ivan let out a soft sigh, trying to keep his touch tender as he lifted Everly's chin to apply the ice.

 

Ania stretched, retrieving the piece of paper that contained the phone number they had gotten from Dominik from her pocket. "I should head out. I have to start working on this." 

 

Everly shifted both Ivan's hand and the ice pack away from her face to get a better look at Ania. "Take care, Ania. Don't overdo it," she nodded and offered her a small smile.

 

Ania rolled her eyes playfully. "Please, I'm always flawless," she quipped, flicking her hair.