The hospital room fell into a comfortable silence after Julia woke.
Ryker refused to let go of her hand. Even though the healer had assured him several times that Julia was perfectly healthy, he still held onto her as though she might disappear if he loosened his grip.
Julia watched him quietly before a small smile touched her lips.
"You've been holding my hand this whole time, haven't you?"
Ryker didn't even try to deny it.
"I have."
"You know I'm awake now."
"I know."
"You can let go."
Ryker intertwined their fingers even tighter.
"I don't want to."
Julia couldn't help but laugh softly.
"You really worried me that much?"
Ryker looked into her eyes.
"You scared me more than you'll ever know."
His voice was low, filled with emotion he wasn't trying to hide.
"When you collap
