Horror gripped Sophie as the gun struck the floor and went off, the bullet burying itself in the wall.

The phantom weight of the weapon still pressed against her palm, a chilling reminder of how Adrian had forced it into her hand. Fear crawled up her spine until it grew into something far worse—pure dread.

Unable to hold it in, Sophie struck Adrian’s shoulder with her fist. “Adrian, you complete maniac!”

Adrian caught her small hand mid-swing and pressed a kiss against her knuckles. “Too late, babe. You’re mine for good.”

Her eyes blazed with fury as she glared at him, finally realizing just how dangerous his obsession had become.

Not knowing what else to do with her anger, she wrenched her hand away and ducked under the blanket, shutting him out completely.

Adrian poked at the mound beneath the blanket. “Hey. What’s this? Are you sulking now?”

Silence greeted him.

Sophie crept closer to the very edge of the mattress.

Seeing her retreat, Adrian tugged the blanket off and dragged her right back to the center. The figure under the covers went still for a breath before wriggling away even faster.

Amused, Adrian laughed gently and scooped her up, trapping her against his chest. “Careful, little runaway. You’ll end up falling straight under the bed.”

The bundle in his arms kicked and twisted, fighting with everything she had.

“Ouch.” Adrian’s sudden grunt cut through the room.

The bundle under the blanket went completely still.

Noticing her reaction, Adrian raised an eyebrow, loosened his hold, and reclined against the headboard in silence.

As expected, a few minutes later, messy hair peeked out from beneath the covers.

Sophie had been quietly stewing.

All she had wanted was a moment of peace, yet Adrian refused to give her space. Her irritation had boiled inside her like a simmering pot, moments away from spilling over.

But the sound of Adrian’s pain had snuffed out her anger in a heartbeat.

It struck Sophie suddenly—Adrian’s arm was still wrapped in heavy bandages.

Her mind replayed the last thing she remembered clearly: Adrian charging toward her, drenched in blood, staring down the gun aimed at her by the thug who had held her hostage.

She still didn’t know just how serious his wounds really were.

Had she made it worse by struggling against him?

Adrian sat unnervingly still, offering no response at all.

Sophie’s chest tightened with alarm.

She couldn’t hide any longer. Slowly, she leaned forward, anxious to see how Adrian was doing.

He sat slumped against the side of the bed, the color drained from his lips. His eyebrows drew together, betraying the effort it took to fight against the pain.

In an instant, Sophie forgot her anger and rushed over. “Adrian! Does it hurt too much? I’ll bring the doctor right now!”

With a faint pull on her hand, Adrian held her back. His words came gentle and strained. “I’m fine. It’s just the anesthesia fading, nothing more.”

“Your wound—”

“It’s nothing more than a scratch,” Adrian interjected, offering her a weak grin. “A bullet clipped me, and they cut it out quickly in surgery. Hardly worth worrying about.”

“You can’t be serious!” Sophie stared at him, baffled at how he could treat something so dangerous as though it were nothing. Adrian had been shot, had only just pulled through surgery, and yet he still acted casual—even joking around with her.

Sophie pushed herself off the mattress in alarm.

“Where are you going, Sophie?”

“Lie back down this instant!” Sophie pressed against him with care, avoiding the fresh bandages on his arm.

Adrian caught her hand before she could move away. “You’re the one who should be in bed. Your body hasn’t healed yet. I’ll stay right here beside you.”

“I told you, I feel completely fine!” Sophie responded, her voice rising with frustration.

How could she possibly allow a man who was wounded to take care of her instead?

Adrian caught her wrist and gently pulled her down onto the bed beside him. “Then don’t leave. Stay here with me.”

“You’re injured! You have to lie still and recover!” Sophie struggled, trying to get up again.

A low groan escaped Adrian’s throat.

The sound made Sophie stop at once, and she bent over to check his injury. “What’s wrong? Did I press against you? Is the pain worse?”

With a faint nod, Adrian whispered, “It hurts. Please, just stay here with me.”

After that, Sophie dared not move a muscle, terrified that any more fussing might tear Adrian’s wound open.

She finally lay still beside him, her gaze fixed worriedly on the arm wrapped in fresh bandages.

Everything that had happened was because of her.

Adrian wouldn’t be lying there bruised and battered if he hadn’t come for her. That basement had been crawling with thugs, and Adrian had faced them all by himself.

For her sake, he had gambled with his life.

The weight of self-reproach pressed heavily on Sophie. She had been careless, walking straight into one trap after another. And now Adrian was suffering because of her mistakes.

Out of nowhere, a gentle pinch tugged at her earlobe.

.

.

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