Chapter 1051:
He regretted his decision to distance himself from her in order to neutralize any threats posed to her before his impending end.
In the past three years, he fought back his repulsion to endure Anikaâs presence in his life. Not a single moment passed without him missing Harlee.
He hated himself for deceiving her, claiming he had moved on from their relationship and developed feelings for Anika, for all his grand plans.
His resolve wavered, and he questioned why he hadnât chosen to tell Harlee the truth, letting the two of them face their enemies together.
But the regret only lasted a moment.
After all, he was practically on his deathbed due to the toxins Anika had injected into his system.
âWhereâs the cigarette?â In the darkness, their eyes met.
Harleeâs voice was cold, devoid of feeling. She was in so much pain that only nicotine and alcohol offeredâ¦
Even temporary relief. Knowing Rhys would refuse her a drink, she asked for a smoke instead.
Hearing this, Rhys gently placed her on the bed before stepping into the next room. When he returned, he handed her a pack of cigarettes and a lighter without a word.
Taking out a cigarette, Harlee lit it with steady hands, her motions practiced and efficient.
Watching her smoke, Rhys felt as though his heart was being crushed. The sight of herâso different from the woman sheâd beenâtore at him. Three years ago, she hadnât even touched a cigaretteâ¦
Tears welled in Rhysâ eyes, but he clenched his fists, his shoulders trembling from the effort of holding himself together.
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Harlee said nothing, turning her face away to focus on the cigarette, as if she hadnât noticed his tears. She didnât want to say anything now.
The room remained heavy with silence until Harlee reached for another.
Before she could light it, Rhys caught her wrist.
âEnough. If youâre still hurting, bite me instead.â
With that, he pushed up his sleeve, baring his arm.
Harlee acted without hesitation, clutching Rhysâ arm and sinking her teeth into his skin. She only let go when the metallic tang of blood hit her tongue, then shifted to bite somewhere else.
Harlee had no memory of when sleep overtook herâjust the heavy exhaustion and the comfort of a warm embrace.
The following morning, Harlee awoke to find daylight streaming outside, though the room remained cloaked in darkness behind thick curtains. Moving silently, she approached and parted the blackout drapes.
The man on the bed stirred faintly, his arms bearing the evidence of deep bite wounds.
Harlee lingered by the window, staring out as if trying to pierce through an unseen veil, but nothing became clear. Rhys had spent the entire night watching over Harlee, afraid that if she lost control, he might not react in time. Only as dawn broke did he allow himself a light slumber at her side.
By the time Harlee rose, Rhys was already awake.
But he pretended to be asleep, savoring her warmth.
Harlee saw through him and frowned slightly.
.
.
.