His hand cupped my cheek so gently it made my throat tighten. "How are you feeling?"
A question loaded with so much meaning. How could I even begin to answer?
Instead of lying, instead of pretending I was fine, I whispered the only truth I had.
"Tired."
Killian exhaled, his thumb tracing slow, soothing circles against my skin. "I’m not surprised. You’ve been through hell."
I flinched. I didn’t want to talk about it.
Killian must have sensed it because he didn’t push. Instead, he squeezed my hand. "You’re safe now. No one will ever hurt you again."
The conviction in his voice made my chest ache.
If only it were that simple.
I tried to nod, but even that small movement sent a wave of exhaustion through me. My fingers twitched weakly against the sheets.
A sharp exhale left his lips,
