ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY EIGHT

SYLVIA'S POV

I was just about to finish up my chat with Grayson when Alice and Jocelia showed up, their concern written all over their faces. Grayson glanced at them and asked, "What are you two doing here?"

Alice shot him a sharp look and replied, "What do you mean, 'What are we doing here?' We came to see you."

Jocelia, looking anxious, added, "Yeah, we were so worried about you, baby."

Grayson winced in pain as he tried to shift slightly, "Stop. Ugh, stop it."

Sylvia moved closer, trying to support him, while Grayson told Alice and Jocelia, "You both should leave. I want to talk to Sylvia alone."

Jocelia started to protest, "But—"

Grayson cut her off firmly, "Now."

Alice and Jocelia exchanged uneasy glances, then turned to look at me. Reluctantly, they left the room, leaving I and Grayson alone.

Grayson and I stood in the quiet room, the silence between us almost tangible. My heart pounded as I opened my mouth to speak, but he raised a hand to stop me.

"Hold on," he said softly. I