_Katherine's POV_
Kieran didn’t let me fall. His arms slipped beneath my knees and back, lifting me effortlessly into a bridal carry. His chest was warm, steady, and far too comforting for someone I swore I hated.
“You're reckless,” he muttered, his voice low as he carried me back to the bed. “Stubborn as ever.”
I wanted to argue, to tell him to put me down, but my head was spinning too much. My hands gripped the front of his shirt, and for a second, I hated how safe I felt.
He laid me down gently. His touch was careful, almost reverent. He tucked the blanket over me again like I was made of glass.
“Please,” he said softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. “Get some rest. You're not healed yet, and I don't want to see you collapse again.”
I turned my head away.
He cont
