Chapter 90. Even in a Broken State Like This

Layla’s POV

I shut the door of the SUV with a soft thud, Caught inside, it was quieter. Warmer. Safer. With the soft humming of the engine, tires quietly vibrating over the road, and Ezra’s faintly clicking pitch of breath.

We didn’t exchange a word.

Ezra wasn’t close enough to sit next to me with his body slightly leaned against the seat, while one of his arms pressed against his side as if seeking to hold the wound with his hand.

His shirt was soaked with blood. A little dark. Yet, he said nothing. He didn’t make a sound. Only kept his eyes on the front. I kept looking at him, with my heart heavy, palms shaking in my lap. I had so much to say. But every thought of word became too small. Too late. Too many. All because of me, he got hurt.

I’d known it, and I despised it.

But he didn’t look at me like I was to blame. He didn’t resent me. All I saw in his face when our gazes finally connected was quiet reassurance. It was as if he were tryin