RIVER'S POV

"You live here?"I asked Dean as he parked infront of a six storey apartment building.

"Yes, not enough for your spoilt ass?"Dean teased.

"No, it's actually nice. I kind of expected you to live in a tiny shack close to a dumping site."I retorted.

"Ha ha, very funny."Dean retorted getting out of the car.

He came around the passenger's side and opened the door for me.

"Ready?"He asked undoing my seatbelt.

"I can walk Dean. It's a broken nose and ribs not arms and legs."I reasoned.

"The doctor said no strenuous activities. Walking is a strenuous activity so don't argue with me."He demanded.

Dean was still mad at me and I didn't want to piss him off further so I put my arms around his neck and let him carry me out of the car. He bumped the door closed with his hip locking it behind us and proceeded to carry me up the stairs to his floor without breaking a sweat. I would have fan-girled at how strong he was but I was in too much pain.

When we got to his door, Dean was forced to set me down so he could unlock it. As I stood leaning against the railing I couldn't help but wonder which house bordering Dean's was Effie's. Did they fuck at his house or hers or both? I had no reason having such thoughts but I couldn't help myself.

"Welcome."Dean invited stepping aside to let me walk in.

His studio apartment was just one room with a sectioned kitchen and bathroom. I wasn't surprised to see it neat and tidy especially after meeting Dean's mom. There's no way that woman could raise an irresponsible man. It smelled nice too, something fruity with a hint of the cologne Dean always wore. There was bed bed against the wall with an L-couch leaning against it infront of a glass coffee table. A forty inch screen TV sat perched on a white wooden table against the wall. His kitchen was neat and tidy without any dishes in the sink. I couldn't see the bathroom as the door was closed but it didn't seem that big.

Dean knelt at my feet and helped me take off my shoes placing them on the shoe rack by the door. I took a seat on the sofa happy to be off my feet as my ribs were killing me.

Dean filled a glass of water and handed it to me with a couple of the pain meds I was supposed to take without me even asking.

"A girl could get used to this."I grinned taking my meds.

"Do you want to eat or sleep first?"Dean asked me since I'd kept dozing off in the car.

I had refused to eat the hospital food especially when I didn't even want to be there in the first place.

"Sleep please."I requested struggling to stay awake.

"You can't sleep in that."Dean commented walking towards a wooden wardrobe in the corner.

I was in jeans and a hoodie which was already uncomfortable for me.

A second later Dean tossed a black tshirt and a pair of shorts my way.

"Change."He demanded.

He picked out a change of clothes for himself and disappeared into the bathroom. I didn't fail to notice that Dean was in the same clothes we had been hiking in with a couple of buttons missing from his shirt. I couldn't help but wonder where he had been before he came to the hospital. One name floated at the back of my mind making me scowl. Effie.

I quickly changed into the clothes Dean had given me pushing all thoughts of him and Effie out of my head. The outfit swallowed me whole but it was comfortable and smelled like Dean.

Dean emerged a few minutes later dressed like I was but at least he didn't look like a dwarf in a giant's clothes.

"Take the bed, I'll sleep on the couch."Dean commanded softly.

I didn't even fight him on it getting up from the sofa putting my neatly folded clothes at the edge of the seat. I got into Dean's bed sighing happily when his scent washed over me like a gently breeze.

"Dean."I called out laying my head on a pillow that smelled just like him.

All I could see was his head and shoulders peeking out from the top of the sofa.

"Mmh."

"Thank you for everything."I whispered.

I didn't miss the heavy sigh and slump of his shoulders.

"Sleep waridi."He replied and I knew he was still mad at me.

I could feel the anger rolling off him in waves. I would talk to him about it when I woke up but at the moment my body was craving sleep. I turned over to lie on my back since it hurt too much to sleep on my side.

When I woke up a couple of hours later Dean was still in the same position I'd left him in. I felt much better and well rested so I got up and went to sit on the sofa next to him.

"You're still mad at me?"I asked even though it was obvious.

Dean didn't even bother denying it.

"Yes. How could you have been so reckless?"Dean gritted out.

He turned to me with an icy stare and I flinched back.

"I was hungry Dean. I wanted some pizza."I defended my excuse sounding ridiculous now that I was saying it out loud.

Thinking about it, the solo night pizza date was not worth a broken nose and ribs.

"That's what all those food apps I installed in your phone are for."Dean reasoned looking like he wanted to spank me.

I would not have entirely objected to that idea

"I already said I'm sorry okay."I grumbled hating that we were fighting.

I didn't like being at odds with Dean especially when he had been so good to me.

"Excuse me, I need to use the bathroom."I mumbled and got up shuffling to the bathroom.

I closed the door behind me as I entered the tiny space. It was so small fitting a toilet, a shower head and a sink but it was Dean's home and I had to respect it and try to fit in. I was living with him now so I needed to adapt quickly to his much smaller space.

I quickly did my business and flushed getting up after to wash my hands. I caught my reflection on the mirror grimacing at my own looks. I was beaten, battered and blue. Dean was right I was more purple than white especially around my broken nose. I tried to touch it and hissed in pain.

"You okay in there?"Dean asked.

"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute."I replied.

I couldn't do anything about how I looked so I left the bathroom hoping I'd get a chance to shower later. I found Dean in the small sectioned kitchen breaking a couple of eggs.

"Need help?"I asked even if I knew that standing for too long wasn't a good idea.

"You can help me by taking a seat and resting your ribs."He replied his back turned to me.

I knew I would be on thin ice with Dean for a while so to avoid pissing him off any further, I did as he asked and took a seat. Dean had been watching a boxing match on TV with the volume turned down for my benefit so I turned it back up.

Half an hour later he served me pancakes, eggs and orange juice.

We sat in silence watching the match as we had breakfast. I hated that because of me things were awkward between us but until Dean forgave me there would be no moving forward.

"Did Dishan give you my phone?"I asked.

"No but I'll bring it when I go to get the rest of your stuff later."Dean replied.

"How long will I be here?"I inquired.

If he was bringing my stuff then it meant I would be staying longer than I thought.

"Until I trust that you are responsible enough to be on your own again."Dean replied his eyes trained on the TV.

"That can take forever."I groaned dramatically.

"Then forever it is, now eat."Dean demanded.

"Have you always been this dominating"I asked hating the way his domineering self was affecting me.

"Eat."He growled pointing at my food.

"Yes papi."I moaned smirking at him.

Dean gave me a disapproving look but he couldn't hide the smile playing a the corner of his lips.

I didn't say anything else so I ate the rest of my breakfast quietly and slowly because my jaw still hurt a bit.

Dean cleared the plates after we were done and washed the dishes. I made myself more comfortable on the sofa now that I was well fed and pumped full of pain medication. I watched Dean get ready to leave as he took a shower and got dressed in the bathroom.

"You look nice."I complimented watching him put his shoes on.

He was wearing a long sleeved black t-shirt, blue jeans, a black cap and brown Airforce sneakers.

"Thanks."He replied hiding his face behind the cap.

"I'll only be gone two hours top so don't go anywhere."He demanded picking up the car keys.

"What if I want to run a marathon or take a space shuttle to Mars?"I retorted sarcastically.

He didn't need to treat me like a child. I was obviously not going anywhere.

"I'm this close to locking you in here."Dean glared at me pinching his thumb and forefinger together.

"Oooh, scary."I mumbled rebelliously.

For someone who was trying to make peace with Dean, I sure was ruffling his feathers a lot.

"River I'm serious."He demanded.

"Okay fine, I won't go anywhere."I relented.

It's not like I could go anywhere in my condition. I didn't want to scare the children away.

Dean gave me one long look before leaving the house closing the door after him.

"River I'm serious."I mocked in a fake accent picking up the TV remote.

"I heard that."He yelled from the corridor infront of the house his footsteps fading away.

He was treating me like an insolent child. I'd messed up once and now he was behaving like I was the worst person to walk on earth. He needed to fix his attitude and forgive me otherwise our cohabitation would be hell for the both of us.

I found an animal documentary so I settled to watch that wishing I could be out there on safari and not couped up in Dean's studio apartment healing. I had no one to blame for myself. The next few weeks were going to be hell for me.

I must have dozed off because I was woken up from my nap by an insistent knock on the door. Dean wouldn't knock on his own door so it had to be a stranger. They were looking for Dean and he was not around so I planned to ignore whoever it was until they left. That was the original idea until the person spoke up.

"Open up D, I know you're in there."A female voice demanded.

Once again that same name floated into my mind. Effie.

"You left your belt at my place last night."She banged again.

I didn't know why but it stung hearing her confirm the same thoughts I'd had earlier. So Dean had slept with her after we spent the whole day together at Karura. I didn't own him, he could do whatever or whoever he wanted in his free time but it still hurt to hear it.

I expected Effie to leave but she kept knocking giving me no choice but to answer the door. I had no idea what I had been expecting but it was not the gorgeous woman standing on the corridor with Dean's leather belt in her hands.

Effie was beautiful, talk and regal, like a peacock. She was wearing a bodycon grey dress that accentuated her curves perfectly, flawless make up and a curly wig that made her look even more beautiful. Without the broken nose the woman would have given me a run for my money when it came to looks but now I couldn't even come close.

I totally understood why Dean was attracted to her but I was still conflicted as to why he didn't want to date her. They would make a beautiful couple even though that thought made my stomach twist in painful knots that had nothing to do with my injuries.

"Who are you?"She asked sizing me up and down her gaze lingering on my injuries.

She noticed I was wearing Dean's clothes and the scowl on her face got deeper.

"I could ask you the same."I replied even though I already knew who she was.

"Where is Dean?"She inquired.

"Away. Did you need something?"I questioned my ribs starting to hurt from standing for too long.

"This is his, tell him to call me when he gets back."She said handing me his belt.

"I'm not his Secretary."I gritted out unaware where all the venom is coming from.

Was I jealous of Effie? No I couldn't be.

"Never mind he knows where I live."She grinned at me showing her perfect white teeth and turned to walk away.

She even had a model walk.

Yep, definitely jealous, I admitted to myself getting jack ivy the house.

I would have slammed the door in anger but it was metallic and would make too much noise.

Why did she have to be so perfect? It would have been easier to cope if she was ugly or missing a limb but the model I'd just talked to was more than worthy to date Dean. I tossed the belt away and resumed my previous position on the couch. I was not in the mood for Animal planet anymore so I put a music station to help me calm my nerves.

It didn't work and by the time Dean came back an hour later I was still fuming. He had two suitcases with him and one carry on all new meaning he had to buy the to fit all my stuff. How had I managed to buy so much in less than two weeks?

Dean looked pleased to see me in the same spot he had left me in. He kicked his shoes off and carried the suitcases in placing them infront of his wardrobe.

"Your girlfriend came by."I informed him with an icy tone.

"Who?"Dean asked looking confused.

"You left your belt at her place last night and she came to drop it off."I answered looking at his face to gauge his reaction.

He didn't even blink or try to defend himself. Dean was so unapologetically him it was both annoying and a wonder to behold.

"Are you hungry?"He asked taking off the long sleeved t-shirt leaving him in a black tanktop.

"No I'm fine."I grumbled but he still got up to go to the kitchen.

His back was to me so I couldn't see what he was doing. He didn't say anything about the Effie matter which took me by surprise. Did he not care or was their relationship only physical like he had told me?

Dean placed a bowl of fruit, some potato chips and a glass of juice infront of me twenty minutes later. I couldn't even hide the glee on my face at the sight of the snacks.

"Thank you."I mumbled popping a strawberry into my mouth.

Dean knew me so well already as he was able to understand what I needed without me even asking for it.

"Did you have any trouble checking me out of the hotel?"I asked Dean.

"Not really. You still have quite the balance though and they couldn't give me a refund so they gave me a voucher for when you want to go back. You can use it anytime you want."Dean replied.

"That's reminds me, here's your wallet and phone. I also took all the money out of the safe, it's in the false bottom of the blue suitcase."Dean said giving me my phone and wallet.

"Thank you Dean."I whispered feeling grateful for having him by my side.

Dean didn't respond but he did acknowledge me with a slight nod of his head.

Dean and I were officially roommates. It was not under the best of circumstances but it was unavoidable. Living together under the same roof with a man was new for me. It was a man I liked yes but still a man nonetheless. I didn't want things to continue being awkward between us so I needed to fix things.

I turned the TV volume down to give us a chance to talk without any distraction.

"Tell me what I can do to make you forgive me?"I asked Dean.

Dean didn't even turn to look at me so I didn't something desperate hoping it would pay out. I turned and sat on his lap, straddling him so that we were face to face pinning him in place. He didn't react, just sat motionless under me, his hands by his side.

"Say something."I begged cupping his face so I could see his eyes.

"What do you want me to say River?"He asked finally speaking up.

He sounded sad and broken and I knew it was all my fault.

"Say that you forgive me."I pleaded.

Dean shook his heed and tried pulling away but I had a firm grip on him. I was not going to let him go until he declared that we were okay.

"It's not that easy."Dean admitted.

"I know but I've already learnt my lesson. I will never do it again."I assured him.

I was desperate for Dean to forgive me.

"Do you have any idea how I felt when I received that call last night?"He asked gripping my thighs tight.

"No but I can only imagine."

"What if they had killed you River or sexually assaulted you?"Dean gritted out.

I could see all the emotions swimming in his eyes. Fear, anger and worry.

"But it didn't happen and it will never happen. Please stop being mad. I'm safe now, I'm here with you."I pleaded wrapping my arms around him in a hug.

I felt Dean hesitate but eventually he wrapped his arms around me hugging me back. I felt safe in his embrace like nothing could hurt me as long as he was there.

Dean being mad at me made me even madder at myself. I would not forgive myself until he forgave me.

"You mean more to me that you realize River and not because you're my source of livelihood. I care about you and I need you to take care of yourself better. When you get hurt, I hurt too."Dean admitted.

His vulnerability tugged at my heart and I could only hug him harder.

"I will, I promise."

"I'll take your word for it. I forgive you."Dean finally admitted.

The magical words I'd been waiting to hear were like a balm on my scorching heart.

"Thank you."I whispered pulling back to look at his face.

"Thank me by being good and following the rules."He insisted.

"Yes papi."I grinned teasing him.

For the first time since I was attacked Dean gave me a full smile, dimples and all.

He kissed my forehead pulling me back into his arms for a hug. Eventually we readjusted ourselves to be more comfortable as lay back on the couch my legs strewn over Dean's lap.

Now that things were good between us I could focus on healing and enjoying being roomies with Dean.

We spent the rest of the day watching movies and eating. Dean was a good cook and I feared I would gain weight over the next few weeks. It would all be worth it though as there's no way I was starving myself when I had such a handsome chef at my beck and call.

🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

I know I say this about all the male characters I write but I love Dean. I want one of him too for myself. Isn't he just the sweetest and most protective guy? 🥺🥺🥺