Chapter 217: The Split

I didn’t fall asleep again. Instead, I lay there, savoring the comforting warmth of Ryder’s body beside mine. It took me back to the time I had broken my arm and he would come over early in the mornings, crawling into the bed with me after Aunt Mara had left. That had been a good time. I hoped that our lives together going forward might be the same.

I was still lost in the memory when Ryder stirred beside me. He didn’t say anything at first, just wrapped his arms around me and held me close, like I was something precious he had lost and finally found again.

I heard him sigh deeply, a sound full of contentment and perhaps a hint of relief.

“I need to get up soon,” I murmured softly, though the last thing I wanted to do was go anywhere.

My test was at 11:30, and Aunt Mara was picking me up at 10:00 and the responsible part of me knew I needed to start getting ready.

“No...” Ryder mumbled, his grip on me tightening as if he wasn't going to allow me to go.

“What time is your tattoo appoin