Page 10 of Snatched Up By the Cartel

"You shouldn't have fought at all," Rylan said, worry in his voice. "You could've been killed."

I met his gaze, seeing the concern etched on his face. I didn't think he was going to be concerned for my well-being. So much changed between us.

"I couldn't let them get away with what they did to you," I said, my voice rough. "They needed to be taught a lesson."

And the thing was, I would do it all over again. There was nothing that could stop me from doing that, if it were possible.

Rylan's eyes softened, and he reached out, his hand hovering over my injured ribs before dropping back to his side. "Thank you," he whispered. "For standing up for me. I know it's not your responsibility."

I grunted, the movement sending a lance of pain through my side. It kind of was my responsibility because he was my cellmate and I couldn't let anything bad happen to him. If anything bad were to happen to him, I would be the one doing it.

"Don't thank me yet," I said, my voice strained. "I may have messed up. Vance won't let this go."

I knew he would, which was why I had to be prepared. Anything could happen again. He could show up right at this moment to finish the job.

A shadow passed over Rylan's face, his eyes darkening. "What do you mean?"

He knew what I meant, but I was still going to explain it to him. I owed him as much.

I swallowed, my throat dry. "He's not done with you, or me," I said, my voice hoarse. "He'll come after us both, probably sooner rather than later."

Rylan's eyes widened, and he bit his lip, his gaze dropping to the floor. He was worried, but he didn't need to be. I would stand between him and Vance no matter what happened.

"What are we going to do?" He asked, his voice small.

I wanted to offer him reassurance, but the truth was, I had no idea. Vance had the guards in his pocket, and his crew outnumbered us. We were cornered, and the realization settled in my gut like a stone.

I supposed I should've tried to make more friends, but it wasn't really something I did. Everywhere I was, every place I went, I never tried to befriend people.

Rylan must have sensed my defeat because he turned away, his shoulders sagging. Fucking hell, I thought. Now isn't the time to be weak.

"I'll do what I can to help you heal," he said softly. "I was a nurse before... before all this."

I nodded, grateful for his efforts, even though I knew it wouldn't be enough. I was also surprised he was a nurse. I thought he'd only been a businessman his entire life.

"Thanks," I rasped, my eyes drifting closed as exhaustion pulled me back into the darkness. I was so tired. I wished I could sleep, but even if I wasn't worried about Rylan's well-being, I still wouldn't be able to doze off, considering that Vance was still out to get me.

I drifted in and out of consciousness, my body succumbing to the pain and my battered state. For what Vance did, he was going to pay, no denying it.

Rylan tended to my wounds as best he could, cleaning my cuts, binding my ribs, and doing his best to ease my suffering. Despite our rocky initial encounter, he was still caring for me. Who would've thought this would happen one day? I certainly would have laughed if somebody had told me such a thing.

I could see the worry in his eyes, the knowledge that it might not be enough. Don't worry, pretty little omega. You are doing your best and it should be enough.

Hours blurred together, a haze of pain and feverish dreams. I woke occasionally to the sound of Rylan's voice, his soft whispers urging me to drink, to take my medication. I didn't even know he had medicine with him. I thought he didn't have anything.

He was full of surprises, it seemed.

His touch was gentle, his hands skilled as he changed my bandages, his brown eyes filled with concern. And even though there was no place for me to be thinking this, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like if he was using his hands to touch my cock. I knew he would like it.

Through my hazy state, I felt a sense of peace, an odd calm amidst the chaos of my injuries. I groaned slightly, wishing the pain would fade away. But it wasn't going to be so easy. It wasn't going anywhere at the moment.

Rylan's presence soothed me, his quiet strength a balm to my battered body and soul. I would probably be dead right now without him.

No matter how much he was helping me, the undercurrent of danger remained, a constant reminder that our respite was fleeting. As long as we were in this prison, we would always be in danger.

After what appeared to be six hours later, I woke to the sound of raised voices. My eyes flickered open, my vision blurry but adjusting to see Rylan arguing with one of the guards.

He had some backbone in him, it appeared. I never thought I would see that day that would happen. It surprised me so much that I felt pride. Rylan might have learned a few things from me.

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