Chapter 58: Resurrection
"Get out," Lucas ordered. Doctor Mary and the attendants who had been fussing over Ava hesitated for a second before scattering.
Ava watched him as he stood at the door, not moving, just staring at her. He was taking her in, absorbing every little detail.
She wanted to reach for him, to tell him she was okay, but before she could say anything, he moved. Not in his usual confident, powerful stride, but with small, hesitant steps. As if he wasn’t sure he was allowed to get closer. And then, without a word, he slid into bed beside her, wrapping his arms around her.
Ava melted into him, letting his warmth surround her. There were no words, no need for explanations. Their bodies fit together seamlessly, his arms firm but gentle, as if he wanted to hold her tighter but was afraid she might break. She could feel his heartbeat pounding against her chest, faster than usual, his breath uneven as he buried his face in her neck, inhaling her scent.
Her fingers found their way into his hair, threading through the soft strands, and she felt him shudder. "Lucas?" she murmured, her voice hoarse from exhaustion.
He didn’t answer, just tightened his grip around her, pressing himself closer as if trying to merge them into one. When he finally spoke, his voice was barely a whisper. "I have never been so afraid in my entire life."
Ava’s chest tightened at his confession. Lucas wasn’t a man who admitted fear.
"I’m sorry I scared you," she said softly, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.
He lifted his head slightly, looking up at her. His fingers trailed up her arm, then along her jaw, a touch so reverent it made her breath hitch. "Why didn’t you tell me?"