"I'll remain nearby," she added quickly when the door came open.
Gavin carefully swung his legs off the bed.
The moment his feet touched the floor, pain shot viciously through his abdomen and his jaw clenched hard.
Damn.
He had underestimated how weak his body still was.
Still, he forced himself upright slowly, one hand subtly pressing against the healing gunshot wound beneath his loose hospital shirt.
The nurse moved instinctively.
"Careful—"
"I'm alright," he muttered.
Barely actually.
His steps were slow at first as he exited the room, the polished hallway lights almost making his vision blur momentarily.
The privileged ward was eerily quiet at this hour. Soft beeping machines echoed faintly from distant rooms while security links lingered at intervals down the corridor.
Gavin kept his expression neutral despite the growing tension clawing beneath his skin.
Five minutes.
That was all he needed. He looked back to see the nurse by his wardroom.
