Divorced CEO's Forgotten Wife Strikes Back (Riley and Bryce) novel Chapter 159

**TITLE: Dreams Refuse Gravity**

**by Leo Arden Knox**

**Chapter 159: Private Investigator Garrett Doyle**

The bodyguard hesitated, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected inquiry, before responding with a firm conviction, “Ms. Anderson would never abandon you, sir. She put her life on the line for you. That has to carry some weight.”

Sebastian’s gaze flickered, a mixture of emotions swirling within him.

Indeed, she had placed herself directly in harm’s way. For him.

Yet, a darker thought began to whisper in the corners of his mind, insidious and cold.

But what if she had been assigned to someone else? Would her bravery have remained the same?

The dawn of a new day arrived, and Riley stirred from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open to the sight of Sebastian slumped beside her hospital bed, lost in sleep.

Her gaze lingered on his face, which appeared strikingly serene even in repose.

His brows were slightly knit together, and the long lashes cast delicate shadows beneath his eyes. There was a hint of tension etched into his features, as though he were wrestling with some unspoken worry even in his dreams.

Without a second thought, Riley reached out, her fingers instinctively wanting to smooth the crease that marred his brow.

But just as her fingertips were about to brush against his skin, his eyes snapped open, wide and alert.

In an instant, he grasped her wrist, reflexes kicking in, only to realize the nature of his actions. He released her immediately, his expression shifting to one of alarm.

“Sorry,” he murmured, his voice thick with sleep. “Did I hurt you?”

“I’m fine. It was my fault for waking you,” she reassured him, a soft smile breaking through. “When did you arrive?”

“This morning. Not too long ago,” he replied, still shaking off the remnants of sleep.

A frown creased her forehead. “So, you didn’t sleep at all last night, did you?”

If he had just come and already succumbed to sleep at her side, it was clear he was running on empty.

Sebastian offered a noncommittal hum, refraining from divulging the exhausting night he had spent darting between Carmel and Washington, working to dismantle the lingering threads of his father’s influence.

“How are you feeling? Did you get enough rest? Is your arm still hurting?” he asked, genuine concern lacing his words.

“I’m okay. I slept well enough. The pain is manageable,” Riley replied, her voice steady.

Determined to maintain a sense of normalcy, she sat up to freshen up, but Sebastian, with a gentle insistence, swept her into his arms, carrying her toward the bathroom.

“Sebastian! What are you doing? I can walk perfectly fine!” she protested, a mix of surprise and amusement dancing in her eyes.

“You’re injured. It’s my responsibility to help you,” he stated firmly, placing her down softly in front of the sink. Without hesitation, he took her toothbrush, uncapped the toothpaste, and squeezed a neat line across the bristles, a gesture both tender and oddly domestic.

Riley couldn’t help but think that if she hadn’t stopped him, he might have attempted to brush her teeth for her as well.

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