Chapter 244 What Do You Want from Me
With a snap, Alexander Mitchell grabbed her wrist. "Don't go."
Suddenly, something shifted within him; he felt insecure and desperately wanted her to stay. No matter how stubborn he had been, at this moment, he felt as vulnerable as a child.
Pain can drive one mad, but it can also make one fragile.
Sometimes, it’s the heart that hurts more than the body.
Ava Anderson looked down at the man's hand, noticing it was trembling even as he grasped her wrist.
He must be in a lot of pain; it’s not something one can fake, especially with his face so pallid and sweat beading on his forehead.
"I'm taking you to the hospital now," Ava Anderson said. "Is it okay if I drive you?"
Her voice carried a soothing tone.
"I don’t want to go to the hospital." Alexander Mitchell lifted his gaze, deep and bottomless, "This is a prescription from the doctor. It'll heal in a few days, no need for a hospital."
Ava Anderson sat on the bed. "Then lie down and don't move recklessly, or you'll aggravate the wound on your back."
"Are you still leaving?" There was a hint of urgency in his eyes.
Ava Anderson stared at him, her heart softening at the sight of his injuries. Forgetting about being mad at him, she shook her head, "I won't go. I'll stay here with you, as long as you behave and stop being so harsh."
If she were to stay, it would be on her terms; she didn't want to be mistreated.
Alexander Mitchell's mouth twitched, seemingly amused by her comment, "Am I that harsh?"
It was the first time someone had described him that way!
"You are, always bringing up William Bennett and me."
"But you two look so close," he insisted stubbornly.
"I told you, we're just friends, nothing like what you’re imagining. Why do you even..." Ava Anderson paused, letting out a sigh, "Forget it, I don't want to argue about this with you."
"Fine, we'll drop it," Alexander Mitchell conceded, knowing that pushing the topic would drive her away.
"Weren't you going to dress my wounds?" His gaze directed her to a box. "The bandages are in there."
Ava Anderson took the bandages from the box and sat behind him. "Don't move around. I'll wrap them. Let me know if it hurts, and I'll be more gentle."
He acknowledged with an obedient hum.
Ava unfurled the bandage and reached around to Alexander's chest, pressing the cloth against the middle of his torso.
As she slowly wrapped the soft fabric around his body and it made contact with his skin, Alexander's body suddenly jerked.
Ava stopped her movements immediately, asking anxiously, "What's wrong? Does it hurt?"
He hummed affirmatively.
"Then I'll be gentler," Ava soothed.
Her touch had already been light, but upon hearing his complaints of pain, she lightened her grip even further, as if she wanted to brush over his skin like air.
Halfway through the bandaging process, Alexander's body tensed again, and he let out a stifled grunt.
Ava halted. "Did I touch the wound?"
He nodded, his voice strained. "It hurts."
Ava, feeling nervous, hadn't even realized she'd made contact.
She became more careful, to the point of utmost caution, yet not long after, Alexander grunted again.
This time Ava frowned, unable to help herself. "I'm being very careful. Why are you saying it hurts again?"
Alexander turned his head, looking innocent. "You said to tell you if it hurts, and now you're annoyed when I do. What do you want me to do?"
