This assertion made Raegan's heart skip, her nerves tingling.

With the guards still uncertain, Mitchel grasped Raegan's hand, moved past them assertively, and pronounced, “I vouch for her."

They proceeded indoors, his hand still clasping hers.

The warmth and softness of Raegan's hand in Mitchel's felt unexpectedly comforting, like holding a marshmallow.

Ascending the stairs together, Raegan's apprehension lingered, yet she didn't pull away. At that brief moment, his firm hold provided a semblance of safety.

Upon entering a room upstairs, Raegan immediately noticed Jarrod's stark departure from his usual robust demeanor. His complexion was pale like death, indicating his frail state.

This was Raegan's first sight of Jarrod in such a weakened state with severe wounds.

Beside Jarrod's bed sat Nicole.

Releasing Mitchel's hand, Raegan approached Nicole, her voice tinged with worry, and said, "Nicole..

Raegan halted at Nicole's name, refraining from uttering more words unsuitable for the current situation.

Sensing the atmosphere, Jarrod arranged some refreshments for Raegan, suggesting a more casual setting for their talk.

As Nicole exited from the room, Jarrod's stare followed her departure, intense and mysterious, almost unsettlingly.

Mitchel settled into a chair, his voice laced with concern. "How are you holding up?"

Jarrod appeared nonchalant. "It's not too bad. The wound just brushed against my stomach and missed any vital organs."

Seeing the noticeable bite marks on Mitchel's face and recalling Mitchel's hand-in-hand entrance with Raegan, Jarrod probed, “Have things smoothed over between you two?"

Mitchel's annoyance was palpable. “Not quite."

Jarrod managed a feeble grin. "Your issues with Raegan aren't as complex as mine with Nicole. It's mostly about misunderstandings.

Grasp the opportunity. Raegan isn't too hard to win over."

“Win her over?" Mitchel's brow creased, skeptical of the assertion.

He hadn't made such efforts for other women, uncertain about what "not hard" entailed.