Standing there, Mitchel Looked dignified and imposing, with a natural sharpness to his features. Disheveled or not, he was undeniably handsome.

Raegan rose on her toes and kissed him on the cheek. “Mitchel, don't be mad at me, okay?"

Raegan acted almost without thinking. In that split second, she treated Mitchel the way she would adopt with Janey. When comforting words didn't work, actions of confessing love could do the trick.

Yet, after her kiss, Mitchel still maintained his poker face, leaving Raegan felt incredibly awkward. Was he still upset? What more she could do?

As Raegan contemplated her next moves, Mitchel looked down at her and suddenly hugged her tightly.

Raegan was taken aback for a moment but quickly raised her arms to hug him back.

Then, she recalled the rocks had hit his back when they fell.

Without thinking, she tried to push Mitchel away to check his injury.

But he wouldn't let her, hugging her even tighter.

Mitchel looked into her eyes and said, “If you hate me, push me away."

Raegan's arms stopped midair. She didn't try to push him away anymore.

Mitchel whispered, his voice low and rich, right by her ear, “Raegan, I love you."

The surrounding noise seemed to pause at that moment.

Raegan's hands shook, and she asked, confused, "Why..." She meant to ask why did he confess his love for her at a time like this.

Mitchel's voice shook a bit as he said softly, "I was scared I'd never get the chance to tell you. Just actions aren't enough. I truly love you."

Raegan was stunned, unsure of how to react. Feeling a mix of emotions, from being touched to feeling guilty, she felt she should respond somehow. "Thank you."

Mitchel wished to convey that he wasn't after her gratitude, but her love. Yet, he wondered if expressing such a desire would come off as too demanding. His deep eyes locked onto hers, his voice low and earnest. “Raegan, promise me you won't leave my side again, okay?"

The man who usually appeared so confident and in control was now asking her with such humility.

Raegan experienced a turmoil inside. From the instant Mitchel risked himself saving her, she had let go of the past and decided against dwelling on those disheartening issues.

In the past, Raegan repeatedly warned herself not to fall for Mitchel again, those painful moments serving as a painful reminder. Yet, the more she restrained herself, the more her emotions grew wildly within her.