Nathan's POV
For a moment, all I could do was stare at her—this woman who had been my everything, even when she tried so hard not to be.
"…Fine," I said quietly. "Help me. But no teasing."
She smiled. "I can't promise that."
I groaned into my hands. "Hailee—"
She walked over and gently eased my legs out from under the blankets. "But I promise to be careful with your stitches."
I let out a slow, controlled breath, pushing down the surge of pride that wanted me to insist I was fine. It was pointless. She was right, and deep down, I didn't want her to leave my side.
"My healers are scheduled to come back this afternoon to check the dressing," I managed, standing up carefully and letting her steady me. My head swam for a second, a sharp reminder of the blood loss. I placed a hand on her shoulder, leaning just a fraction of my weight on her. "I'll be fully mended by tomorrow."
