It struck him on the chest.

Austyn gasped in pain.

Kira hurriedly righted herself. 'Serves you right!'

Austyn's forehead was covered by a sheen of sweat.

Kira watched him nervously. 'Should I go get the nurse?'

'No.' Austyn waited for the pain to subside. "The nurse won't do. Only you can help me.'

'What? How?' She leaned in. 'Do you need me to check the wound dressing? But I don't know how-

'I need a kiss.'

Kira paused.

Then she drew back and rolled her eyes at him. 'Nice try."

She was not going to fall for the same trick again.

Austyn rose from the bed and immediately doubled over in pain.

'What are you doing?' Kira moved back towards him. 'You should lie down. The nurse said-This belongs to - ©.

Austyn clamped both hands around her waist and held her.

Kira froze.

She had to fight the instinct to shove him lest she struck his wound again.

Austyn's face had gone a shade paler.

ger The Silence. The Deeper The Hurt

His lips were almost completely bloodless.

'Can you stop messing around?' Kira was frustrated.

'Just don't move. Stay with me.' Austyn withstood the pain.

He rested his chin on her shoulder and closed his eyes.

Kira gave in. 'Just a minute, though.

Austyn didn't reply.

His hands moved up from her waist and caressed her back. Kira squirmed.