My jaw dropped as she ran away. I did not look up at Stone, but I could feel a small rumble that sounded almost like a chuckle in his chest.

I walked over to the corner of the room where the bag was that Lana had brought with my clothes in it. I started by pulling on a pair of loose-fitting pants then I pulled off the ugly hospital gown and replaced it with a plain black baggy shirt.

Stone lingered behind my body and made sure that I was okay. He left enough room between our bodies however that meant I had space.

When I turned to go was when he decided that all bets were off.  He grabbed my bag and then he grabbed me. He carefully placed his hands on my waist and my legs before positioning me bridal style and clutched against his chest. He made sure my legs and my back were supported.

"Let me down!" I squealed.

"No."

"My legs still work perfectly fine." I wiggle them as I said so to emphasise my point "Put me down! I can walk!"

"No." He grumbled again stubbornly before walking out of the room and setting down the corridor with me in his arms.

Crossing my arms and avoiding the stares of randoms in the hallway, I glared at him "You do not need to do this. I am perfectly capable of walking."

He still did not set me down when we went out the automatic doors and outside into the parking lot.

I avoided his watchful eye when I spoke "If it is too much trouble for you to drive me to Lana's then—"

His death stare burnt holes into my neck, and it left me no choice but to look him in his eyes. The intense dark look left no room for argument.

Stone opened the door to the passenger seat of the black truck before he set me down carefully. He even gave me a deep sound of disapproval when I would not let him do my seatbelt for me.

He shut my door and made his way around the vehicle to his side. He started the engine without another word.

The car ride was silent. I flicked my attention between the passing scenery out of my window and Stone's hardened expression.

His grip on the steering wheel was so hard that the veins in his arms bulged and his knuckles had turned white.

I could feel the tension simmering in him.

To ease the tension, I spoke up "I’m going to pay you back."

He glanced at me for a few seconds before focusing on the road again "For what?"

"Do not act oblivious." I scolded before changing my voice to a softer gentler tone "You paid for my apartment. You changed the rent, so all future fees are charged from your account. You paid for my full medical bill. I am paying you back."

"No. You are not."