Page 111 of The SEAL's Duchess
She looked down, throat working. “Thank you. For everything.”
He bit back the words he wanted to say.
“Anytime.” He met her gaze now.
She looked at him for one more long moment, then turned.
She walked away—not just from the room, but from him.
From the future he hadn’t dared to imagine until she’d thrown light into every dark corner he’d been content to ignore.
The door clicked shut—soft, final.
He stared at it, chest hollow.
The sound of his last chance walking away.
40
Ryder stared at the ceiling.
He’d done the right thing. Definitely.
Sent her home. Back to England, to safety, to a life that didn’t involve nearly dying beside him.
It was good. It was right.
So why did his chest feel like it was being crushed in a vise?
Fuck.
The door opened. Footsteps. Heavier than Ivy’s.
“I just saw Ivy leave—” Caleb stopped just inside the doorway, two coffees in hand. “What happened?”
Ryder avoided eye contact. “Nothing.”
“Bullshit. You look like someone just kicked your dog. Is she coming back?”
“This afternoon to see Ellie.”
“And after?”
“Back to her hotel. Flight’s tomorrow afternoon.”
Caleb swore under his breath. “And you just let her leave.”
It wasn’t a question.
Ryder finally looked at his brother. Caleb was staring at him from the foot of the bed like he’d lost his mind.
“What was I supposed to do?” Ryder said.
“Are you serious right now?” Caleb’s eyes widened. “Or still high on anesthesia?”
“She nearly died, Caleb. Because she came here. And what can I offer her? A busted shoulder and a three-year-old who still sleeps with a nightlight.”
Caleb set both coffees down. “You done?”
