Chapter 443
Chapter 443 Loving You Until The Last Second
Raegan acted almost without thinking. In that split second, she treated Mitchel the way she would adopt with Janey. When comforting words didn't work, actions of confessing love could do the trick.
Yet, after her kiss, Mitchel still maintained his poker face, leaving Raegan felt incredibly awkward. Was he still upset? What more she could do?
As Raegan contemplated her next moves, Mitchel looked down at her and suddenly hugged her tightly.
Raegan was taken aback for a moment but quickly raised her arms to hug him back.
Then, she recalled the rocks had hit his back when they fell. Without thinking, she tried to push Mitchel away to check his injury.
But he wouldn't let her, hugging her even tighter.
Mitchel looked into her eyes and said, "If you hate me, push me away."
Raegan's arms stopped midair. She didn't try to push him away anymore.
Mitchel whispered, his voice low and rich, right by her ear, "Raegan, I love you."
The surrounding noise seemed to pause at that moment. Raegan's hands shook, and she asked, confused, "Why..." She meant to ask why did he confess his love for her at a time like this.
Mitchel's voice shook a bit as he said softly, "I was scared I'd never get the chance to tell you. Just actions aren't enough. I truly love you."
Raegan was stunned, unsure of how to react. Feeling a mix of emotions, from being touched to feeling guilty, she felt she should respond somehow. "Thank you."
Mitchel wished to convey that he wasn't after her gratitude, but her love. Yet, he wondered if expressing such a desire would come off as too demanding. His deep eyes locked onto hers, his voice low and earnest. "Raegan, promise me you won't leave my side again, okay?"
The man who usually appeared so confident and in control was now asking her with such humility.
Raegan experienced a turmoil inside. From the instant Mitchel risked himself saving her, she had let go of the past and decided against dwelling on those disheartening issues.
In the past, Raegan repeatedly warned herself not to fall for Mitchel again, those painful moments serving as a painful reminder. Yet, the more she restrained herself, the more her emotions grew wildly within her.
Upon her return, as they resolved their misunderstandings one after the other, Raegan couldn't help but develop feelings for Mitchel. Mitchel had always been there for her, supporting her quietly and treating her kindly all this time. Even when she was put off by his controlling nature, he made efforts to change for the better.
Since her feelings for him were undeniable, why not just give them a shot? Instead of dwelling on the past, she decided to follow her heart. Perhaps time would tell whether they were meant to be. Regardless of the outcome, at least they tried to get along, preventing the regret from entering the picture.
Finally, with a newfound resolution, Raegan gave a soft yet decisive nod. "Mitchel, let's give us a shot."
"What did you say?" Mitchel couldn't believe his ears and put his hand near her mouth. "Bite me. I'm not sure if I'm dreaming or having an illusion"
He seemed to be overwhelmed by the happiness brought by her words, feeling the joy was surreal.
A twinge of pain touched Raegan's heart, her eyes shining. "Mitchel, don't make me sad again." She didn't want her trust in him to be misplaced.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.
Mitchel's eyes gleamed, his mouth shut tight, as he chose to remain silent. The next moment, he bent down quickly, drew her in, and gave her a gentle, lingering kiss.
Following the kiss, he cupped Raegan's face, his voice rough with emotion. "I'll love you every moment until the end of my days."
Raegan wasn't fond of such talk. They had just agreed to give their relationship a try. Such promise seemed to weigh too much.
She looked up at him. "Please, don't talk like that."
Mitchel simply smiled and held her closer, resting his head on her shoulder.
Then, Raegan felt her neck wet. She trembled slightly and realized he had shed a tear. Without uttering a word, she embraced him tightly.
Only when her hand brushed against his skin did she pause and pull away, her voice filled with worry, "Mitchel, is your back hurting?"
She vividly remembered the rock striking him. Mitchel's complexion had visibly paled from the blow.
"It doesn't hurt anymore." Despite his pale face, Mitchel managed a smile. "Just knowing you're safe is all the healing I need."
Raegan, unconvinced by his stoic facade, recalled the size of the rock that had hit him, something she doubted anyone could shrug off.
With concern in her eyes, she started to undo his shirt to inspect the damage. "I need to see for myself."
Mitchel stopped her by pressing her hand against his chest, his tone playful. "Why the hurry? Are you into doing this outside?"
Focused on inspecting his injury, Raegan attempted to free her hand. "What's wrong with being outside?"
Mitchel quirked an eyebrow. "We've got spectators. Doesn't that bother you?"
Raegan blinked in confusion. "What?"
With a sly smile, Mitchel leaned closer, his tone teasing. "If you're really into it, we can find somewhere private once we're home. I will surely let you enjoy to the fullest."
Only then did Raegan realize what he referred. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment, she retorted, "Who's interested in that? You're the one who is!"
"Yes, I am," Mitchel admitted nonchalantly. "But the rescue team will be here any moment."
The guards arranged by Mitchel had spotted them before they had fallen down. The sound of a helicopter buzzed in the
distance, likely coming their way.
Mitchel pinched Raegan's cheek gently, his voice low and husky. "I won't let others see my wife."
Raegan's face blushed a deep shade of red. She was done dealing with him.
Mitchel saw her frustrated look and felt a wave of tenderness wash over him. He understood Raegan's concerns.
Each breath he took sent a sharp pain through his back, a harsh reminder of his injury. He didn't want Raegan to be worried, so he bore the pain silently.
He had to hold on until the helicopter arrived. Out here in the wilderness, he felt a constant unease.
In an attempt to lighten the mood, Mitchel teased, "You know,
a kiss from you might just be the cure I need."
Raegan's cheeks turned even redder, annoyed. "Enough with the jokes."
"I'm serious," Mitchel replied.
He leaned in, his hand gently caressing her cheek, smiling. "Ready to give it a shot, my little miracle cure?"
Raegan's ears turned bright red, and she pressed her lips together, visibly struggling.
Just then, the sound of a helicopter's engine filled the air above them.
Mitchel released her, murmuring, "You owe me one."
Shortly afterward, they boarded the helicopter together.
Mitchel draped a blanket around Raegan and then sat down, staying quiet and upright.
Raegan, having seen him joke around before, thought the rock might not have hit him that seriously.
However, even before they landed, Mitchel began to show signs of distress. He broke out in a cold sweat with rapid breathing and pale face.
Upon reaching the hospital in town, a local doctor quickly cut open Mitchel's shirt, revealing a sight that shocked Raegan.
Mitchel's back was covered in bruises, making it hard to tell what his skin originally looked like.
The area around his shoulder blade was particularly bad, with large patches of black and purple that looked like they were rotting.
Raegan's tears flowed freely as she realized the extent of his injuries. They were much worse than she had feared.
It made sense now why Mitchel had sat so straight on the helicopter. Lying down seemed impossible for him.
Raegan couldn't begin to understand how much pain he must have been in, trying to keep her spirits up with his jokes.
After getting a shot for the pain, Mitchel passed out.
The doctor, after examining an X-ray, announced, "He's got twelve broken ribs. Our hospital isn't equipped to handle this. He needs to be transferred to a larger facility immediately."