Z was just an ordinary waitress-a regr girl working hard to get by, a little fragile, a little too sensitive for her own good. Whenever he leaned on her, it hit her all over again: she absolutely couldn''t just walk away from someone who needed her.


    Z reminded people of a small animal, the kind that made you want to protect it, even when it wasn''t doing anything at all. She just had that effect; people''s hearts softened around her without even realizing it.


    But Dn? He was nothing like that. Everyone knew how tough Dn was. If you told someone you wanted to protect him, they''d probablyugh in your face-and Dn wouldugh the loudest. His rare moments of vulnerability felt more like a predator ying at weakness, like a wolf luring you in. The second you let your guard down, he''d bite down and never let go.


    ra had always trusted her gut, and every time Dn let his guard down around her, she got uneasy, like she needed to get out before she got pulled in too deep. If he hadn''t been injured, she probably would''ve slipped away already-no need to stick around and make things weird for herself.


    She helped him downstairs, moving slowly, Dn''s head resting right in the curve of her neck, like he had no intention of moving away. It felt like he was putting most of his weight on her, making every step a challenge. Sweat started to trickle down her back.


    He wasn''t even unconscious. Couldn''t he at least try to support himself?


    Irritation bubbled up inside her. Just as they reached the car, she froze for a second. What was that warm, lingering touch on her neck?


    She shoved him into the back seat, her face set and cool as she watched him. Dn slumped back, eyes closed, lips a little flushed, looking like he was about to pass out.


    ra let out a slow breath-maybe she was just imagining things.


    She quickly closed the door and leaned up to tell Aiden, "Let''s go."


    The car slipped smoothly onto the road.


    ra sat next to Dn, watching the city blur by through the window, unable to say what she really wanted-I just want to go home.


    When they slowed near Palm Bay, she caught sight of a car she recognized- Simon''s.


    For some reason, seeing Simon here made her feel a little less alone.


    But Aiden didn''t stop; if anything, he stepped on the gas.


    ra finally spoke up. "Aiden, could you pull over for a minute? I want to talk to Simon."


    Maybe talking to Simon would help her figure out what was happening outside this bubble.


    But Aiden''s voice was cold. “Ma''am, you''re


    shouldn''t be meeting with your let


    ex-fiancé."


    That word-ex-fiancé-hit her hard, leaving her momentarily speechless.


    It took her a few seconds to find her voice. "I never wanted this marriage," she shot back.


    But as soon as she got the words out, the car was already turning through the heavy gates,ing to a stop inside.


    ra turned her head and found Dn watching her, eyes open.


    Her heart skipped a beat. Maybe it was too harsh to say something like that while he was hurt.


    But he didn''t look at her for long. He told Aiden, "Take us home."


    There was still a stretch of driveway left.


    Aiden hit the gas again.


    When they finally pulled up outside the big house, Dn was eased into a wheelchair. Even now, with everything he''d been through, his back was straight, his pride untouched.


    ra stayed in the car for a second, thinking maybe he really did care about what she''d said.


    She got out and trailed behind them, nerves fluttering in her stomach.


    She followed them all the way into Dn''s bedroom. Once Aiden left, Dn reached for the wall, trying to haul himself up. The veins in his hands stood out, every muscle tense. He was clearly pushing himself, but he just couldn''t do it alone.


    ra hesitated, then finally stepped forward to help him up.


    Dn''s palmnded on the back of her hand, burning hot.


    He didn''t have a fever, but the heat of his touch left ra feeling scorched, like she''d been marked by him.