Maintaining his grip, Mitchel reassured her, "It's just a couple of ribs. I'm not that fragile."

Frowning with concern, Raegan's delicate eyebrows furrowed. She sensed he was downplaying it. It was more serious than he let on.

"Come on. Get up here." Mitchel tried to pull Raegan up, inadvertently hurting his still-healing abdomen, causing his expression to tighten.

Concerned, Raegan asked, “What's wrong? Did it hurt?"

Wincing, Mitchel admitted, “Yeah, it did.”

Alarmed, Raegan scolded, “I told you to be careful.”

Giving her a playful glance, Mitchel teased, “Well, then, come on up.”

With no further objections, Raegan cautiously climbed onto the bed, sticking to the edge to avoid touching him.

Amused by the distance she kept, Mitchel chuckled softly. Reaching out, he gently pulled her closer, saying, "I didn't ask you up here to set boundaries."

As Raegan's face inadvertently collided with Mitchel's shoulder, she winced at the slight sting in her nose. Rubbing her nose, she mumbled, "I was just trying to avoid hurting your injuries."

Mitchel felt a surge of joy for her cautiousness. He reassured her, “Just be careful, and you won't hurt me.”

His warm breath against her neck made Raegan shiver.

Mitchel had always been a man of strong desires. In their past adventures, he made sure every moment was memorable.

Now, after years, the absence felt even more unbearable than their five-year hiatus.

Sometimes, ignorance was indeed bliss. But once experienced, the craving became insatiable.

Raegan noticed his hand starting to wander. Quickly grasping his hand, she insisted, "You're injured. We shouldn't..."

"It's fine, just..." Mitchel murmured softly into her ear.

Raegan was left without words.

Flushed, Raegan quietly protested, "No, the doctor's instructions were strict."

His hand tenderly caressed her, his voice low and alluring. “Why not give it a try?"