Chapter 11

Matthew noticed her bleeding palm and furrowed his brow but remained seated in the car without a word. Serena, in pain, bit her tongue fiercely, the intense sting briefly sobering her. She gripped the car door and stumbled inside. Nathan sensed something was amiss, but the boss's silence kept him from speaking up. Matthew's gaze remained faint as he looked out the window, the passing light leaving flickering shadows on his face. Serena gazed at him, her eyes reddening, smitten for a moment. A mix of bitterness, regret, and complex emotions surged within her. There was a time when a man vowed to protect he... Matthew's brow furrowed imperceptibly and his lips pursed as he suddenly grabbed her hand and saw the bloody mess. Serena's consciousness blurred again, so hot that for a moment she couldn't tell if it was reality or a dream. "Don't move." Matthew's voice was devoid of warmth as he rummaged through the medical kit on the side and lowered his head to quietly sterilize her. It was th