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.

voice dropped into a low murmur, “From now on, don’t be stubborn. If you’re hurt, tell me. Don’t try to hide

all his attention had been on Tracy.

she had spoken up, it would have been useless. She would have been overshadowed, dismissed like

the one he had loved for years, the one he had placed on

herself? She was nothing

was not

something inside Rachel, and before

ointment when a drop

looked up and saw the silent sorrow in her

He assumed she was crying because of the

her face. “No,

being stubborn,

into his arms. “We’re going to the

her protests fell on deaf ears—he had already

medication for sprains, advising Rachel to rest for several

the next few days,

getting to the

they had stepped back in time—to the best days of their

on the night her ankle finally healed—he kissed her again and again, his body burning against hers as he held her close, as if he wanted

into his embrace as she wrapped her arms around his neck, their breaths

ascended to heights

his chest, finding comfort in the

night seemed made for

his phone shattered

name illuminated the

but to her astonishment,

second attempt, he answered while

apparent intoxication. “Brian, everything’s spinning.

your location. He’ll pick you up,”

whined, her voice honeyed with practiced charm. “Remember how you used to take care of me when I drank too much? I’ve

right now. It’s not possible.” Brian ended the

deepest, most peaceful sleep she’d known in ages. But in the dead of night, a chill

warmth, finding only empty space. Her searching hands

finally switched on the light, bitter laughter caught in