Chapter 21
Cole pov
The ballroom slowly settled back into its usual noise after Rhys disappeared through the side door, guests turning back to their conversations like nothing had happened, the way people always did when they didn't know what else to do with something they'd just witnessed.
Kayla was still on the floor, one hand braced against the chair, her crutches scattered a few feet away where they'd fallen.
I crossed to her without hesitating this time.
"Here." I picked up the crutches first, setting them within reach, then crouched to help her up carefully, one hand steady beneath her arm, mindful of the ankle already wrapped and healing beneath her dress.
She winced slightly as she found her balance, one hand gripping my shoulder for a moment longer than strictly necessary.
