Adriana knew today would be hard. Francisco had warned her last time: some of the shots needed boosters — and today was the day.

She was already stretched out on the couch when he walked in, sleeves rolled up, cooler in hand. He gave her a small, knowing smile.

“No backing out?” he teased gently.

She lifted an eyebrow. “Do I ever?”

He grinned and knelt beside her. “Four for the thighs today — one on each side from last time, and two new ones. Then we finish with the big ones.”

Adriana didn’t ask. She knew what he meant by “the big ones.”

He started on her thighs. The first injection was quick and sharp, and she flinched slightly.

“Sorry,” he murmured, placing a hand gently on her leg. “This one’s a fast burn.”

He was right. The second one built heat as it settled deep into the muscle — not unbearable, but insistent. She bit her lip.

The third and fourth came with their own personalities: one achy and dull, the other slow and oddly tingly. By the time he wiped the last spot clean, she was shifting uncomfortably on the cushions.

“Okay,” she said, “bring on the worst.”

Francisco helped her turn over, easing her shorts down. She rested her cheek on her arms and breathed slowly, mentally preparing herself.

The first buttock injection was thick and cold. She gasped.

The second came quickly after — a double burn that made her grip the blanket tight.

“Halfway,” he said quietly, rubbing the area to ease the sting.

The third was the heaviest, taking time to push in, and leaving a deep ache. She groaned softly into her arm.

Then came the fourth. She jerked slightly at the sharpness, breathing through it. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes.

“Done,” he said. “You did amazing, Adri.”

She stayed there for a moment, just breathing, trying to let the soreness settle.

But then she heard the distinct sound of another cap being popped off.

Her head lifted slightly. “Wait— I thought we were done.”

Francisco didn’t look guilty. Just steady. “Almost.”

He held up a small vial, clear with condensation, and a pre-filled syringe.

“This is the surprise,” he said gently. “It’s cold. A little stingier. Just one in each sit spot — nothing too deep. But it’ll leave you with a small reminder this week.”

Adriana blinked. “You mean… so I feel it every time I sit down?”

He gave a soft, crooked smile. “A gentle reminder of how brave you were. And how far you’ve come.”

She shook her head in disbelief — but turned her head back down, silently giving him permission.

The cold fluid hit her harder than she expected — like ice spreading under the skin, sharp and lingering. The second mirrored the first perfectly.

By the end, her breath was shaky, but steady. She was flushed and sore — but proud.

Francisco wiped each spot carefully and pulled her shorts gently back into place. “All done.”

She turned just enough to meet his eyes. “You are too good at this.”

He laughed, then reached for the small heating pad and placed it under her hips.

“Only the best for you,” he said. “Besides — you’ve got a week of reminders ahead. You’ll need the comfort.”

Adriana rolled her eyes playfully, but the warmth in her chest outmatched the soreness in her muscles.

“I trust you,” she murmured.

“I know,” he said softly. “And that means everything.”