His eyes sparkled with a playful Light, clearly delighted to see her upon waking. Despite her efforts to move on, it was clear she hadn't, still clinging to her feelings for him. This realization made him visibly happier. His usually stern expression softened.

"You're the real turtle here! A soft-shelled turtle, that's what you are!"

Raegan, feeling tricked, swatted his hand away and turned to leave, but he caught her with his long, strong arm. “Please, don't go."

Caught off guard, Raegan almost stumbled into his arms. She quickly pushed him away, accidentally touching a sensitive spot, which visibly changed his expression.

His attractive face lost color as he seemed to be in pain. Raegan was taken aback, her mind flashing back to the day he was severely wounded.

Her heart tightened, and she instinctively moved closer to try and fix his disheveled clothes. “Are you in pain? Do you need to get a doctor?"

Facing her, Mitchel's robust chest was in full view. But her concern made her overlook it. “I think we need to get a doctor," she said with a grave look.

As she tried to stand, Mitchel drew her back into a gentle embrace.

"I'm not in pain," he whispered, his voice deep and enticing. "Your concern makes me forget all discomfort."

Raegan struggled to push him away, careful not to cause him any pain.

"Who said I'm concerned about you?" she retorted, irked by his assumption.

"Oh, if you're not concerned, may I just lean on you for a while?"

He held her, finding a comforting warmth, a relief from all weariness.

Mitchel didn't just lean in. He wrapped her up in a full embrace.

His breath on Raegan's neck sent tingles through her. With each breath, she felt a surge of warmth. Raegan's cheeks turned a bright shade of red from embarrassment.

Then, suddenly, a knock at the door interrupted them. "Mr. Dixon, Miss Glyn is here."

Raegan tensed up, the warmth she'd felt vanishing instantly.

Mitchel's expression turned into a slight frown as he pulled back a little, his eyes locked on her face, catching every subtle emotion.

Raegan's expression was icy, a wave of awkwardness washing over her.

Erick was right. Getting involved with Mitchel was a mistake. Now, she was the one left feeling uncomfortable.