Chapter 78

Calliope's eyes lit up the second she saw him, and she nearly bolted upright. "Easy, Callie!" Eleanor reached out to steady her. But a tall, imposing figure beat her to it. Conrad crossed the room in just a few strides. With one swift motion, his arm slipped behind Calliope's back, holding her up with practiced ease. His hand was burning hot. Even through the thin hospital gown, the heat seeped into her skin. She instinctively clutched his solid forearm, her gaze snapping up at him, full of urgency. She'd meant to ask about his injury, but what came out instead were three raspy words. "The safe box..." Conrad's dark eyes locked onto hers. He nodded once. "It's with my team. Safe and sound," he said in a calm, firm voice that somehow made the world feel less chaotic. "You can get it once you're discharged." Only then did her heart ease a little. She let out a quiet exhale-and that's when she saw the thick bandage wrapped around his right arm. "Your arm?" "Just a scratch. Nothing serious