Chapter 227

Christina's POV The soreness wasn't actually that bad—just a slow, pulsing ache deep in my thighs. Tolerable. When I came out of the bathroom, Hudson was already dressed. Downstairs, I sat at the far end of the dining table, keeping my back straight and movements deliberate. Hudson sat across from me, propping himself up on one elbow, watching me. "Aren't you eating?" I asked without looking up. "Or are you just going to stare at me?" "Not hungry." He added. "Slow down. No one's going to steal your food." I tossed my spoon aside, picked up my soup bowl, drank half of it, then set it down and pressed my hand against my stomach. "I'm full." "Are you sure?" "Yes." "So you've regained your strength." "Of course—" The words caught in my throat. I nearly bit my tongue. I looked up. He grinned. "Good. Time to continue what we didn't finish last night." "I didn't realize this was a marathon." I stood abruptly. "I'm going to the studio." "It's your day off, and it's nearly three." "I don't care