One brow quirked in confusion, Bella mirrored his body language, propping  her head up on her elbow. "What are you apologizing for?" she asked, a wince crossing her features as she shifted onto her side. Good Lord.

Despite the pain, Bella was overcome with an overwhelming urge to close the gasp between them and bury her face in his chest. It must have been a womanly urge, she thought, to crave comfort and closeness—but his expression was far too difficult for her to discern whether he wanted the same. Was he... upset? Concerned? Regretful?

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