Aubrey’s pov ;
For a moment, I lay still, trying to push away the memory of Gregory’s hands on me, of his drunken rage, of the terror that had gripped me when I realised how close I was to—
No, don’t think about that now.
Ryder’s steady breathing next to me grounded me for a moment. I turned slightly to see him already awake, watching me with a guarded expression. His usual sharpness seemed dulled.
“You should rest,” he said quietly, breaking the silence. “The doctor will be here again in a few hours.”
I sat up slowly. He wasn't asking, he was telling me to rest. But why wasn’t he asking about last night? About what Gregory had done? I bit my lip, hesitating for a moment. The questions burned in my chest, and I couldn't stay silent any longer.
“I want to go to the police station,” I said abruptly.
That stopped him. His eyes hardened, and the softness I had seen earlier vanished, replaced by a firm, controlled expression. “It’s not necessary anymore.”