Requiem of a Broken Heart

Chapter 10

Chapter 10:

As soon as Rachel spoke, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears,

But she quickly blinked them away, brushing them aside with a swift movement of her hand.

Then, she shoved Brian away, her voice laced with defiance. “I don’t need you fussing over me. I can take care of myself.”

Brian’s grip remained firm as his voice took on a steely edge. “Stay still. Don’t move. You should know by now that my patience has its limits.”

His legendary temper, particularly when provoked, was no secret to anyone.

Rachel felt herself shrinking under his intensity, becoming as still as a statue. She perched there, docile as a schoolgirl, while a comforting warmth spread across her ankle from his careful examination.

Rising to his feet, Brian announced, “Wait here while I check the kitchen. Don’t move an inch.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

When he returned moments later, an ice pack clutched in his hands, she instinctively recoiled.

His touch remained gentle as he steadied her foot. “The cold will be uncomfortable at first, but your ankle’s swelling needs this. Just endure it briefly — I’ll work quickly.”

Rachel found herself nodding without conscious thought.

After applying the ice, Brian’s gaze swept over her with grave concern. “Are there other injuries I should know about?”

“You’re certain?”

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“Yes.”

He didn’t look convinced. His hand moved as if to unbutton her sleeve. “No, I need to check for myself.”

He knew she had a habit of getting hurt and keeping quiet about it. What could be more foolish?

After ensuring there were no other injuries, he finally eased back.

now on, don’t be

had wanted to. But back then, all his attention had been

would have been useless. She would have been overshadowed,

Tracy was the one he had loved for years, the one he had

was nothing more

was not someone he

truth twisted something inside Rachel, and before she could stop them, tears slipped down

when a drop of warmth

up and saw the

brows furrowed. He assumed she was crying because of the

hurriedly wiped her face. “No, I

was simply being stubborn, made his decision without

another word, he scooped her up into his arms.

on deaf ears—he had already made up

hospital, the doctor prescribed medication for sprains, advising Rachel to

next few days, Brian was

the bathroom or taking a

back in time—to the best days of their relationship. Tracy’s name never once came

hers as he held her close, as if he

her eyes, melting into his embrace as she wrapped her arms

to heights of shared

chest, finding comfort in the steady rhythm

seemed made for

ring of his

illuminated

feigning ignorance, but to her

persisted with a second attempt, he

carried through the speaker, deliberately sultry despite her apparent intoxication. “Brian, everything’s spinning. I think

your location. He’ll pick you up,” Brian replied

I need you,” Tracy whined, her voice honeyed with practiced charm. “Remember how you used to take care of me when I drank too much? I’ve always felt safest with you.” Tracy wielded her words with expert

right now. It’s not possible.”

quiet triumph as she drifted into the deepest, most peaceful sleep she’d known in ages.

empty space. Her

light, bitter laughter caught in her throat at