Chapter 53

Avery

After lunch, Ryker insisted on carrying me upstairs. I protested weakly, but the truth was my legs felt like water and the stairs seemed impossibly steep. He lifted me easily, one arm under my knees and the other supporting my back, and I let myself relax against his chest.

"You don't have to do everything for me," I mumbled into his shirt.

"I know." His voice rumbled through his chest, vibr