Clara Bennett“Does it still hurt?” Ryder asked softly as he helped me adjust the pillow behind my back in the hospital bed. His hands were gentle, careful not to jostle my injured shoulder. He had barely left my side since I woke up, always finding little ways to take care of me... bringing me water, fluffing pillows, just sitting there holding my hand when I needed the silence.I shook my head, but the truth was my shoulder still throbbed with every movement. “A little. But the doctors say it’s healing well. I’ll be okay.”Ryder sat on the edge of the bed, taking my hand in both of his. His thumbs stroked my knuckles slowly, a habit he had developed over the last few days. “I hate seeing you like this. Every time I close my eyes, I see you taking that bullet for me. You shouldn’t have done that, Clara. I should have protected you.”I squeezed his hands, looking up at him. His eyes were tired, full of guilt and love all mixed together. “I couldn’t let him shoot you. I love you too mu
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