Chapter 80 Complicated feelings

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.”