Emma POV
I needed to trust Clay more, to trust myself with him. Clay had spent hours helping me, his presence a comforting anchor in the chaos. I could hear the distant sound of rain tapping against the window, a soothing melody that matched the rhythm of his gentle touch on my bare skin. The scent of lavender lingered in the air, a soft reminder of the calming oil he had used to ease my pain. I could feel his fingers moving delicately, tracing invisible patterns on my healing body. "You're healing now," he whispered, relief evident in his voice.
Gratitude filled my heart as I whispered my thanks to him. His response was a simple "anytime," spoken with a tenderness that touched my soul.
I knew I owed him an apology, for pushing him away, for not fully trusting him. The guilt weighed he
