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Forde sways, a sickening crunch filling the air as Ledger’s fist connects with his nose. He falls backward onto the ground, and Ledger wastes no time straddling him. He punches him again and again until Forde’s face is a bloodied mess, the ground beneath him wet and tinged red.

The nauseating realization hits me that if he doesn’t stop soon, he will no doubt kill him. “Ledger.” My voice is weaker than I’d like. It takes him a moment, but his eyes eventually snap to me. They are crazed and distant, and I barely recognize him.

It looks like it takes him considerable effort to unclench his fists .

“The only reason you are not dead is out of respect for Stiny. Make no mistake, if you ever come near her again, I won’t hesitate to make your death slow and painful. This is your one pass.”

In one fluid motion, Ledger’s dagger pierces through Forde’s palm. The blade goes straight through, sinking deep into the earth. A strangled noise escapes him, and Ledger stands, going to me without looking back.

Forde lets out a garbled laugh. “You’ll pay for that one, Ledger. I hope she is worth it.” I frown at his words as Ledger approaches me, undoing his cloak and wrapping it around my exposed skin.

There is a slight tremor in his hands as his arm snakes around me, steadying me as he turns and leads us back to the inn.

He is patient, walking slowly, taking most of my weight. His power pulses off him in violent waves, making the hair on my arms stand on end.

I lean into him, soaking up his warmth, breathing him in, and letting his presence calm my rapid heart. “What the fuck were you thinking, Layla? You were supposed to stay in the room.”

“Don’t you think I know that, Ledger? Did you really have to bind me to the bed? I thought after last night we had formed some sort of trust between us.”

“It’s not about trust; it is about keeping you safe. I did it because you don’t seem to have a semblance of regard for yourself, and when left to your own devices, you end up in situations like this.”

His words shock me, and I struggle for a response. “I didn’t know—wasn’t aware of the danger.” I stumble over my words. “King Sandor put out a reward for my return.” Ledger curses under his breath.

Archie is quietly shutting the door to a room, disheveled and half-dressed when we pass him. He gives us a double take. “What in the hell happened? The sun has barely risen, and you two look like this?!”

“Forde happened. He was trying to take Layla back to Bellehaven to claim the reward King Sandor is offering for her return,” Ledger says through clenched teeth. “Get the horses ready, we have to leave now.”

“Jesus, I’m on it. Make sure she’s okay.” He nods towards me, and I look away, humiliated.

When we get to the room, Ledger sits me gently on the bed. I grip his cloak and my dagger like they are lifelines. I stare at my white knuckles, not ready to meet his eyes.

“Why were you in the stables?” He stomps to the bathroom.

“I was looking for you and wanted to see Apollo before we left. It was stupid.”

“Yes, Layla, it was stupid.” Ledger kneels in front of me and gently presses a wet rag to my cheek.

I wince at the sting of alcohol and dare a glance at his face.

He is eerily calm, his features stone cold.

I can tell what he is feeling in the flaring of his nostrils as he stares at the cut on my cheek.

Our gazes collide, his green eyes holding mine hostage before he abruptly looks away, standing. The rag falls away limply in his hand.

His body is tense, his movements jerky as he throws a few things into his bag. “We need to leave. Can you ride?” He takes out a plain shirt and hands it to me.

“Yes.” I take the offering, grimacing as I stand. My ribs scream in pain.

Ledger’s eyes harden. “Put it on.” His voice is quiet, restrained. He turns his back to give me a moment of privacy. I pause before gingerly removing the cloak and torn tunic, trying not to jostle my ribs.

I slide the garment on, and Ledger doesn’t wait for my response before turning around. His lips curl as he looks at my tattered top on the ground. “Lift up your shirt.”

My mouth falls open slightly, wanting to deny his request. I realize in my current state, riding Apollo will be extremely uncomfortable.

My hands play with the hem of the shirt as I take in Ledger’s still form. He stares at me with a blank expression.

I raise the corner. The skin on my left ribs is no longer pale but an angry cherry red, blotches of purple spreading. Ledger glances down. I fear he will crack a tooth because of how hard he clenches his jaw. He stiffly walks to the bathroom, coming back with a roll of stretchy bandages .

“I’ll need to wrap your ribs, or we won’t make it very far.” He approaches and I nod.

He bends down, unrolling the bandages. His fingertips dig lightly into my back. He huffs a breath that drifts over my skin. I bite my lip as my head drops back to count the nails on the patched ceiling.

His other hand shifts to my bare hip and my breath stalls in my lungs. His calluses scrape against my skin as he moves, and I fight to stay still. He’s gentle as he maneuvers, so at war with his stiff posture and stoic face.

I flinch when he wraps the bandage firmly around the most sensitive part of my rib. He pauses, grinding his teeth together before continuing. My head spins as his fingertips skate over the flesh of my stomach.

He finally ties the bandage in place. He tugs the hem of my shirt softly, and the fabric falls, covering my torso. “We need to leave,” is all he says before turning from me, grabbing his bag, and walking to the door.