CHAPTER FIFTY

Despite the rules of only staying at James’ house once a night, Ryan makes an exception and allows Ben and I to stay at James’ house for the night, since we both are so drained, sore, and just plain exhausted after the fight.

We wait up anxiously for James to get back home after he gives us the key. And finally, after worrying for so long, the door opens.

James walks in all bandaged up and bruised.

“Where’s my hug?” he asks with a grin.

“I don’t want to hug you,” I reply. “I worry I’ll break you. I don’t want to hurt you even more than you’ve already been hurt.”

“Going without a hug would hurt me more,” he argues. “Come on. One hug?”

I hug him as lightly as possible before giving him a light kiss. Once we part, Ben stands there looking uncertain.

“I wanted to thank you,” he says, walking up to James. “I know things haven’t always great between all of us, but you saved my sister. You fought hard even when you were hurt.

“There’s a lot to admire about you, James. So, I do admire