LIANAThe metallic tang of blood mixed with the damp earth’s scent as I tried to push myself to stand. My legs gave out immediately, sending me crumpling back to the ground. Every nerve in my body screamed, and yet, somehow, humiliation hurt worse than the physical pain. “I can walk,” I muttered, though even I wasn’t convinced.“Really?” Reed’s voice was calm, yet the undertone of sarcasm was unmistakable. His shadow fell over me, and before I could protest, his hands gripped me gently but firmly. I flinched at the contact, instincts screaming to pull away, but his arms were steady and sore, lifting me as though I weighed nothing. “You’re bleeding,” he said matter-of-factly, his eyes scanning my legs. “Badly.”“I’ll manage,” I shot back weakly, though my words held no bite. I hated feeling helpless, hated that I needed their help.“Enough,” Reed said curtly. “You’ll make it worse.”The warmth of his chest against my side contrasted sharply with the chill of the night air. I wanted
Last Updated : 2024-12-04 Read more