Page 118 of The Wrong Play

I wanted to tell him I was fine, that I could handle it, that I didn’t need him taking care of me like this.

But the words wouldn’t come.

Instead, a traitorous sound of relief slipped past my lips, and I immediately smacked a hand over my face, mortified.

Jace chuckled, the deep vibration sending warmth down my spine.

“See?” he said, his voice full of smug amusement. “Idoknow what I’m doing.”

I glared at him from between my fingers. “You’re?—”

“Amazing? A gift? The best thing to ever happen to you?”

I groaned. “Something like that.”

His grin was downrightobnoxious.

But I let him keep massaging my legs.

And when he was done, he placed the mug back in my hands, watching with that same infuriating intensity as I drank.

“You don’t have to do all this,” I mumbled.

His jaw ticked. “I know I don’t.”

I swallowed, setting the mug aside. “Jace?—”

“Riley.”

He reached out, brushing a knuckle down my cheek, his touch impossibly gentle.

“You think I’m doing this because Ihaveto?” His voice was quiet now, low and firm, like he was willing me to believe him.

I didn’t answer.

Because I didn’t know how.

Jace exhaled, his forehead dipping to rest against mine, his breath warm against my skin.

“Listen to me,” he murmured. “You could be tied to this bed for weeks, and I’d still want you. I’d still be here.”

Tears burned my eyes.

Because hecouldn’tmean that.

“You say that now,” I whispered. “But I’m a burden.”

His grip tightened on my jaw, not enough to hurt, just enough to make me focus.

“That’s the last time youeversay that to me.”

I swallowed. “But?—”

“No. I don’t do pity, Riley. You think I love you because you’re perfect? You think I give a shit if you need extra care?”

I couldn’t breathe. Because…I wanted to believe him. So badly.

He leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper. “I’ll ruin anyone who makes you feel like you’re too much.Even yourself.”

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