Chapter 429:
Just as Rylie finished speaking, a knock sounded at the door. Two plates of steak and fries were brought in.
Her eyes lit up at the sight. She took a seat across from Brad, picked up her fork, and teased, “Ronan really knows how to treat patients—bland food every day. I’ve even thought of diving into the sea to fetch some seafood.”
She was clearly trying to lighten the mood, hoping to melt the cold air surrounding Brad. But he didn’t budge. His eyes stayed on her, unreadable, his presence heavy and intense.
Rylie raised an eyebrow, leaned over, and pinched his cheek, tugging it to one side. “Smile a little. You look terrible like that.”
Brad was stunned by her sudden move. He reached up, gently wrapped his hand around her wrist, and finally, the corners of his lips lifted—just a little.
The cold mask on his handsome face softened.
Rylie, seeing him relax, pulled her hand back and returned to her food. But Brad noticed the ends of her hair were still dripping wet. He stood up and fetched a hairdryer.
“Your hair’s soaked. You just came from the sea. You’ll catch a cold if you’re not careful.”
He stood behind her, lifting her hair gently. That was when he saw it—a red scar across her neck. His hand paused, and his eyes darkened.
A few drops of water fell onto the wound, sending a sting through her skin. Rylie winced slightly and raised her hand to touch it, but Brad caught her hand again.
“Don’t touch it,” he said, his voice low and serious. “Looks like something sharp cut you.”
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Rylie pulled her hand back, popped two fries into her mouth, and said casually, “Probably a broken plank from that wrecked boat.”
She’d gotten some scratches during the earlier fight on Ronan’s ship. Nothing worth fussing over.
But Brad didn’t reply. He dried her hair carefully, avoiding the wound, then turned to grab the first-aid kit.
He bent close, his breath warm against the back of her neck. The sharp scent of antiseptic filled the air.
“Hold still. I don’t know if the cut came from something rusty. I have to clean it properly.”
His gentle care made Rylie a little uneasy, but she didn’t stop him. She let his fingers move across her skin.
His fingers massaged around the wound with care, his rough fingertips brushing over her like she was something delicate. “You pushed up the plan because of those kids, didn’t you?”
Rylie let her eyes close for a moment. “Yeah. If I hadn’t, they’d be caught in the illegal organ trade. I couldn’t just walk away.”
“You should’ve told me sooner.” Brad finished treating the wound and placed a bandage over it. Then, he set the kit aside, wrapped his arms around her from behind, and rested his chin on her soft, damp hair with a long sigh. “I was really worried.”
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