Page 114 of The Restoration Program

Nicole couldn’t bring herself to react. She only knew that the pit in her stomach was deepening every second she stood here.

“Take me home, Ryan,” she said again.

His thumb paused under her chin. “You’re not even listening to me,” he muttered. He had the audacity to look hurt. All warmth and sweetness faded from his gaze, and a part of her desperately wanted it to return. That part was buried too deep to guide her.

“When did your judgment start meaning more than mine, Ryan?” she asked, blinking back tears. “I was very clear. I saidno.”

He stiffened. “What are you saying?”

Shoving his thumb away, she balled her fists on the edges of the pocket square. “Just admit that you don’t see an issue with treating me like a child—hell, like apet!”

“Well, maybe you’re actinglike one.”

“Excuse me?”

Ryan brandished a hand toward the window, the city looming beyond. “You’re skittish and flinching away from the world to no end! You’re going to have to get used to that body sometime. You’re fighting me every step of the way when I try to help you. Do youwantto stay miserable? Hell, you barely even want to try something creative in bed these days.”

A banshee’s shriek stuck in her throat. “So what you’re saying is I should just shut up and do whatever you say? I should justget usedto being dragged to places against my will?”

“Of course not. Iloveyou. I’m protecting you!”

“You never would have done this to me if I was human!”

The last word hung in the air. Ryan stared in shock—finally she had said something that made him shut up and listen. But it was a hollow victory when she was just as disturbed.

“You know what I mean,” she mumbled, wiping at her eyes.

Ryan sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “We’ll talk about this after the meeting, alright? I’ll clear out the rest of my day so you can tell me what a horrible person I am for trying to protect you.”

“I never asked you to put me in this body.”

“Well, I did!” His volume made her flinch. For a second, Ryan looked like he was reliving those long days in the hospital. He sighed heavily, looking down at himself. “Look, be pissed all you want. I can take your moods if it means knowing you’re safe.”

“Are you seriously playing the martyr card?” Nicole laughed coldly. “Don’t pretend this isn’t just you easing your conscience. News flash—keeping me trapped in here isn’t going to stop me from getting into that car accident.”

When he didn’t snap back right away, she knew she had wounded him. She nearly walked it back, nearly apologized, but she stopped herself. She glanced away to avoid his hurt stare. Her eyes landed first on the framed photo of the two of them, and she immediately looked further away.

Through the cracked blinds by the door, she caught movement. Ryan’s co-workers moved to and fro, perhaps preparing for the big client that had catalyzed the upheaval of their peaceful morning.

Cora waltzed straight for Ryan’s door and poked her head in.

“Northe! We’re just about ready—let’s go!” She didn’t even seem to notice Nicole. “Didn’t I just tell you I had a feeling something big was happening? And what did you message me? Oh—‘If something big was happening, I’d be the first to know.’Well, being the sixth or seventh to know isn’t too shabby, either.” Giggling, she retreated back into the hallway.

Nicole gaped and snapped her attention back to Ryan. She noted the tick of his jaw.

“Wait—I thought you said you weren’t texting Cora,” Nicole said.

“When did I say that?” he scoffed.

“Half an hour ago! You said it was Justin.”

He frowned in thought, then shook his head. “You misunderstood me. I was texting herandJustin.”

“No, that isnotwhat you said.”

“Would you stop nitpicking every word I say? Christ, I can’t take a breath these days without you overanalyzing it.”

Another sharp knock came at the doorway, making Nicole jump. Ryan moved in front of the desk to block her, waving. “I’ll be out in a second!” he called.