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.

be stubborn. If

then, all his attention had been on

if she had spoken up, it would have been useless. She would

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

She was nothing more than

not

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

middle of applying ointment when a

the silent sorrow in

His brows furrowed. He assumed she was crying because of the

wiped her face. “No, I just… thought of

was simply being

word, he scooped her up into his arms. “We’re going to

her protests fell on deaf ears—he had

medication for sprains, advising Rachel to rest

few days, Brian was

small as getting to the bathroom or

like they had stepped back in time—to the

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,

to

nestled against his chest, finding comfort

night seemed made for

ring of his

name illuminated the

to

attempt, he

her apparent intoxication. “Brian, everything’s spinning. I think I’ve had too much to drink.

He’ll pick you up,” Brian

Tracy whined, her voice honeyed with practiced charm. “Remember how you used to take care of me when I drank

It’s not

with quiet triumph as she drifted into the deepest, most peaceful sleep

only empty space. Her searching hands confirmed what her

on the light, bitter laughter caught in