Mia lay on Ryan's bed, her head resting against the soft pillows. The faint scent of him lingered on the sheets—warm, woodsy, and comforting—and it wrapped around her like an invisible embrace. She hadn't left his house since the kidnapping. Ryan insisted she stay, telling her it was safer here than anywhere else.
But even in the safety of his home, flashes of the past days haunted her—the blow to her head, the darkness when she blacked out, the cold look in Daniel's eyes when she woke up. She sighed and reached for her phone on the nightstand.
Her finger hovered for a moment before she finally tapped Rachel's name. The line rang twice before Rachel picked up.
"Mia?" Rachel's worried voice came through immediately. "Oh, thank goodness you called! How are you? How are you feeling?"
Mia tried to sound strong, but her voice wavered. "I'm… okay. At least, I'm trying to be. My head still hurts a little, but Ryan had the doctor check on me."
Rachel let out a long breath, relief in her tone. "I've been so worried, Mia. I barely slept since I heard what happened. When Ryan told me, I thought I'd lose my mind. That monster… Daniel… I can't believe he did that to you."
Mia bit her lip, staring up at the ceiling. "Rachel, it was terrifying. I thought I'd never come back. He kept saying he loved me, but it wasn't love. It was possession. And the worst part is… for a second, I thought I'd never see Ryan again."
Her voice cracked, and she pressed a hand to her mouth.
Rachel's voice softened. "Mia… you don't have to hide how much he means to you anymore. I can hear it in every word."
Mia closed her eyes, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I know. I didn't want to admit it before. But when Ryan found me—Rachel, the way he looked at me… I realized I've been in love with him this whole time. Even with all the misunderstandings, even with how stubborn he is… he's the only one I want."
Rachel chuckled lightly, though her voice was still thick with emotion. "Finally. You've been dancing around those feelings forever. I'm happy for you, Mia. Truly. You deserve love that makes you feel safe."
Mia smiled through her tears, wiping them quickly. "Thank you. I just… I hope he feels the same. He hasn't really said it, not outright."
Rachel laughed softly. "Mia, the man nearly tore the city apart to find you. If that isn't love, I don't know what is."
Mia let out a shaky laugh. "Maybe you're right."
"Of course I'm right," Rachel teased. Then her tone grew serious again. "But promise me something, Mia. Don't keep things bottled up anymore. If you're scared, if you're hurting, talk to him. He's your mate, isn't he? Let him in."
Mia nodded, even though Rachel couldn't see her. "I promise."
There was a comfortable silence, broken only by Rachel's gentle voice. "Get some rest, love. And let Ryan spoil you while he can. You've been through enough."
"Okay," Mia whispered. "Thanks, Rachel. For everything."
"Always," Rachel replied warmly. "Call me tomorrow, alright?"
"Alright. Goodnight."
When the call ended, Mia sank deeper into the bed. She pulled Ryan's blanket around her, inhaling the scent of him. For the first time since the kidnapping, she felt calm. And deep down, she knew Rachel was right—Ryan did love her.
And when he finally said the words, she'd be ready to say them back.