Suzy finished securing the bandage and gently patted Ryan's side before starting to gather the used cloths. She began to stand up, intending perhaps to dispose of the supplies or give him some space. But before she could straighten fully, Ryan reached out, his hands finding her waist. With a gentle but firm pull, he hoisted her easily back onto his lap, settling her sideways at first.
"Your injury?" Suzy asked immediately, her brow furrowing with concern as she instinctively put her hands on his shoulders to steady herself. "Are you sure you should be lifting–"
"Shhh," he interrupted softly, looking up at her with an intensity that had shifted from anger to something else entirely, something focused purely on her. "It doesn't hurt anymore." He smiled faintly, a genuine smile this time, seemingly brought on by her closeness.
