Chapter 248 Chapter 248
Chapter 248 Chapter 248
Amber
As if sensing that I had something weighing heavily on my mind, Marina cleared her throat gently.
“Rayne, you just got out of the hospital so you should probably go get some rest now.”
I nearly sagged with relief.
I couldn’t have been more grateful to her if I tried. She had just saved me from scrambling for an excuse to steal Rayne away without alarming everyone else.
Evalie’s little face fell immediately.
“But Daddy just got here,” she protested softly. “Can’t he spend a little more time with us?”
Marina bent down slightly so she was eye level with her granddaughter, her voice warm but firm.
“I understand how you feel, dear, but your Daddy was badly hurt and he needs to rest a lot or else he won’t recover quickly. The faster he recovers, the sooner you can spend the day together.”
Evalie’s brows furrowed in thought. Then she straightened with sudden determination.
“You’re absolutely right, Grandma!” she declared confidently. “Alright Daddy, please go rest. Rest and get better soon so we can go out together with Mommy.”
Rayne chuckled softly.
“Yes, Ma’am.”
Everyone burst into light laughter at that.
As I wheeled Rayne away, I glanced back briefly and could have sworn I saw Marina wink at me.
The corner of her mouth tilted knowingly.
I wouldn’t have been surprised if she had already figured everything out. She had always been perceptive, sometimes almost unnervingly so.
When we reached the staircase, I locked the wheelchair in place.
“Ready?” I asked softly.
Rayne nodded.
I helped him to his feet carefully, sliding my arm around his waist while his arm draped over my shoulders. Even with his strength returning, I could feel how careful he was with every movement, not wanting to strain himself so the wounds don't reopen.
We climbed slowly.
One step at a time.
His weight leaned into me more than he probably realized. I didn’t mind.
If anything, I held him tighter.
By the time we reached the top, my breathing had grown heavier, but I didn’t care.
It was worth it.
It reminded me so vividly of that time he had gone into rut and I had taken him to that hotel. Life could be so strange sometimes.
Finally, I managed to get him to his room.
I eased him down onto the bed gently, adjusting the pillows behind him so he could sit comfortably.
My chest rose and fell rapidly from exertion, but I smiled despite it.
“You didn’t have to be the one to bring me upstairs,” Rayne said softly, watching me with concern. “You’ve been stressing a lot these past few days. It would be bad if you fell ill.”
“I’m fine,” I replied quickly. “You need to worry about yourself more. You’re the one with three bullet wounds.”
He smirked faintly.
“I prefer to call them marks of bravery.”
I stared at him.
“Yeah, right. Joke about it all you want but you actually died, Rayne.” My voice faltered despite my effort to steady it. “I was there. I saw your lifeless body and I…”
The memory slammed into me—his pale skin, his still chest, the coldness beneath my hands.
I inhaled sharply, forcing air into lungs that suddenly felt too small.
I would not cry again.
I would not fall apart again.
“But I’m right here now, aren’t I?” he said gently. “I don’t want you thinking about stuff like that. I like you better with a smile.”
I scoffed, even though my throat felt tight.
“Spare me. You’ve brought me more tears than smiles.”
He winced slightly at that, not defensively but with regret.
“I’m sorry,” he apologized earnestly. “I’ll do better going forward.”
The sincerity in his voice twisted something deep inside me.
I loved him so much it almost hurt. It felt too big for my chest. Too overwhelming.
I ran a hand through my hair, needing something physical to anchor myself.
“So…” I began hesitantly. “You don’t want to talk about it?”
“Talk about what?” he asked.
“Us,” I answered quietly. “The new bond. I marked you without your permission and you’re not happy about it. It’s why you’ve been distant.”
He froze.
Actually froze.
His expression shifted rapidly—confusion, shock, disbelief—before settling fully on astonishment.
“What?!” he blurted. “When did I say that?”
“You don’t need to say it,” I replied quickly, my chest tightening. “I could tell from your body language, especially on the drive home. I understand if you don’t want this bond and I’m sorry, but I had to do it to save your life. It was the only way and I—”
“Amber, stop!”
The sharpness in his voice made me go completely still.
My heart lodged itself in my throat.
My palms grew damp.
He’s going to do it again.
He’s going to reject me now.
“You’re obviously terrible at reading people,” he said, shaking his head slightly. “It’s cute in a way, but it keeps getting you into trouble.”
“What?” I whispered, stunned.
“Amber, I’m not mad at you.” His voice softened deeply. “In fact, I’m overcome with so much joy that I can hardly process it.”
My breath hitched.