When his hand moves from my neck to trace down my back, a shiver sweeps over my still-shaking frame. I feel Hyland move to cup both my hips as he guides me upright then backwards into his wide chest.
My spine presses against each firm, carved inch of his massive torso. He’s a solid presence in every sense. Huge and intimidating but obsessively protective in all his fury.
Beneath his gruff façade and huge limbs, Hyland also harbours a gentle heart. One forged from heartbreak. He loves unbelievably hard but only shows it to those he deems worthy of his time.
“Easy,” he murmurs. “Let me help. You’re bleeding.”
Vision swimming, I force my voice box to work. “I am?”
“Busted your knuckles. Dammit, Ember.”
“Oh… Yes.” I wince in realisation. “Got lost in my head. I’m alright.”
“Beating a bag bloody is far from alright.”
“You told me to be patient. This is how I’m doing it.”
“By hurting yourself?” Judgement pours from him.
“It doesn’t hurt,” I try to justify. “And I don’t need your help.”
“Are we still having this argument?”
Letting myself slump into him, I secretly enjoy the fresh scent of a salty sea breeze that slips over me. My body works against me by relaxing into the sense of solidity his immense size provides.
Seeming to read my silent defeat, Hyland spreads his trunk-like legs on either side of me to plant his butt on the floor. Rock-hard steel cinches around me as his arms encircle my frame, holding my back to his chest.
“Fine. Just for a minute.”
“Just a minute,” he repeats softly. “I’ve got you.”
Still overwhelmed by sickening vertigo, the sense of grounding that his weight provides tethers me to reality. I grab hold of the feeling, needing to find a safe landing spot before I pass out or throw up.
“Why weren’t you wearing wraps?” His accusation flies like tossed acid.
“I don’t know.”
“Christ. What were you thinking?”
“It was just a dumb mistake.”
“You can’t afford to be so careless,” he lectures with impassioned authority. “Not now, not ever.”
Ignoring his scolding, I focus on his body heat pouring into me.
“You feel good.” The traitorous admission escapes before I can swallow it.
“Me?” Hyland whispers.
“Mmm.”
“Just take some breaths for me, red.” Feeling his torso expand with a breath, he seems to amend his stern tone. “We need to get your heart rate down. I’ll take you to the hospital if I have to.”
“I’m—”
“Don’t even say it,” he cuts me off. “You are so incrediblynotfine right now. Hell, none of us are.”
“You’re right.”
