"Why didn't you wake me up?" Ryley whispered urgently, brushing the blood away from Sean's mouth with trembling fingers. "You could've asked for water, or anything… not this, Sean." His voice cracked with emotion as he searched Sean's face for any sign of reassurance, but all he saw was pain.
Sean waved him off weakly, but Ryley wouldn't have it. He looped an arm around Sean's waist and guided him to the sofa, the fear gnawing at his chest only growing stronger.
"I'm fine." Sean attempted a weak smile, but it faltered as the blood trickled down his lips. His voice came out barely above a whisper, strained but gentle. "Don't worry..."
Ryley didn't want to hear that. "Let me get your medicine—"
But before he could leave, Sean's hand shot out, grabbing his wrist with surprising strength.
"No." His voice was low, almost pleading, but filled with a desperate kind of longing.
Ryley froze.
