Morning light spills across the cabin floor in long, pale bands when the knock comes. I can't say I wasn't fully expecting it.Two sharp raps. Not hesitant. Not demanding. Precise."Come in," I say, already knowing who.The door opens and Aaron steps inside without waiting for an invitation to settle. He closes the door behind him. The air shifts instantly. The scent of pine and warm spice threads through the room, stronger now in the confined space. It presses low in my lungs, settling there like something meant to stay.His gaze sweeps over me once. Head to toe.Assessing."You're upright," he says."Yes.""You shouldn't be.""I'm healing.""You're pushing it.""I don't like being managed."A flicker crosses his expression — not anger. Not quite amusement.Something sharper."You don't like being vulnerable," he corrects.The accuracy irritates me. I fold my arms loosely across my chest, ignoring the faint pull in my ribs."I don't need supervision."His eyes drop briefly to my side
Last Updated : 2026-02-14 Read more