Chapter Thirty-Six
Ana
I looked directly at him when he said those words, feeling a sudden wave of surprise wash over me. It truly felt like he cared about my safety far more than I could have ever imagined a stranger would.
As if realizing his grip had been too firm, Derek quickly pulled his hands away from my shoulders, his face softening with immediate regret. "I am sorry, Ana. I didn't mean to snap at you like that."
I sat back down on the edge of the hospital mattress, looking up at him for a long, quiet moment. "No, please don't apologize. I am actually the one who should be deeply sorry here. I accidentally brought my messy, complicated life right to your doorstep, and now your own life is turning into a complete disaster because of me."
Before he could open his mouth to sp
