Page 111 of Wade’s Wrath

“Any dizziness?” the nurse asked.

“No,” Sarah said.

“Then okay. As long as someone is with you,” the nurse said.

“I’m with her.” Ripper's answer was immediate.

The nurse smiled. “I'll give you a few minutes.”

She left, and Sarah stared at him. “What?”

“You didn't even ask if I needed help,” she said.

“You said you could walk,” he reminded.

“What if I fall?” she asked.

“I'll catch you,” he offered.

“You sound very confident,” she said.

“I am,” he breathed with a shrug.

“And if I don't want you to catch me?” she asked.

“Then I'll let you hit the floor.” Sarah's mouth fell open, and Ripper grinned. “I'm kidding.”

“You're an asshole,” she whispered.

“Yeah,” he agreed. He said it like he'd been waiting for her to call him an asshole again. Something warm moved through her, and Sarah hated that too—mostly.

She stood, and her knees felt weak. Ripper didn't move. He didn’t reach for her. He just watched her. Sarah straightened and realized that she was fine. She could do this. She took one step, then another before the room shifted. Her hand shot toward the edge of the bed, and Ripper's body moved instinctively before he stopped in front of her. His hands stayed at his sides.

“Can I?” he asked.

Sarah knew what he meant and nodded. “Yes.” His hand closed around her forearm—careful, steady, and warm. He wasn’t trapping her, but supporting her. The contact sent a strange jolt through her. It wasn’t fear, and that was the shocking part.

Ripper looked down at her. “You good?”

“Yes,” she breathed.

“Are you lying?” he asked.

“Maybe a little,” she admitted.

“Thought so,” he said. Sarah rolled her eyes, but she didn't pull away. They walked slowly down the hallway. Ripper carried the pink bag over one shoulder. It looked ridiculous on him, but it made her smile.

“What?” he asked.

“That bag really clashes with your whole serial-killer-biker aesthetic,” she teased.

“I'm not a serial killer,” he said.

“Good to know,” she breathed.

“Serial implies a pattern,” he insisted. Sarah stopped walking, and Ripper looked at her, and then she burst out laughing. She couldn't help it.

“Oh my God,” she breathed.