Mitchel didn't respond, pushing Raegan to impatience. "Then what do you want? If nothing seems right..."

“Fine," Mitchel abruptly conceded. “When did I ever say it wasn't okay?"

“Then why stay silent?" With that, Raegan took some porridge and gently brought it to his mouth.

Mitchel grimaced as he ate and sneered, “Men never say they can't.”

Understanding the double meaning, Raegan blushed. “You have no shame."

“How am I shameless? What I'm saying is true, right?" His eyes twinkled. "Give it another try with me. You've never told me I couldn't before..."

Suddenly, Raegan's cheeks turned even redder. He was being so forward!

Mitchel went on, "Had you ever used that word with me before, you wouldn't have managed to leave the bed for a week."

Fuming yet embarrassed, Raegan threatened, "Keep it up, and I'm out of here..."

As she tried to put the bowl down, Mitchel quickly caught her wrist.

“I want more."

Then he took another spoonful from her hand, a gesture that felt both casual and close.

Raegan pulled her hand back, feeling awkward. "This isn't working for me."

“Whatever works for you." Mitchel's mood lightened all of a sudden.

His voice, no longer cold but deep and enticing.

Raegan, feeling her cheeks heat up, finished feeding him the whole bowl and then suggested, “Try to eat less. Your stomach isn't completely healed yet."

Her words brought a smile to Mitchel's face. She was caring for him!

ALL of his irritation disappeared in an instant. He grinned happily and said, "Seeing how you're worried about me, I'll let it go.”

Raegan was at a loss for words. She hadn't even brought up that it was all on Matteo's instructions. And Mitchel had already shifted from frustration to light-hearted.

Raegan corrected him, "Who said I was worried about you? Matteo told me to do so."