Pain stabbed through your stomach like a hot knife, sharp and unrelenting. You curled beneath the covers, pressing your knees to your chest, hoping—praying—it would dull the ache. But nothing helped. The cramps just kept coming in waves, making your entire body tense.

Rafe was asleep beside you, his breathing soft and steady, completely oblivious to the war going on inside you. You didn’t want to wake him. It was just some cramps. You could handle it, right?

Another sharp pain hit, and a strangled groan escaped your lips before you could stop it. Rafe stirred beside you, his brows furrowing even in his sleep before his eyes fluttered open. His head turned toward you, confusion laced in his groggy expression

"Baby?" His voice was rough from sleep, deep and raspy. He rubbed at his eyes before focusing on you, his brows furrowing even more. "What's wrong?"

You shook your head quickly, forcing a weak chuckle . "I’m fine, it’s just some cramps. Nothing serious."

Rafe’s jaw tensed. He knew you. He knew when you were lying.

Without a word, he pushed the covers off and got up. You blinked as he left the room.

You sighed, sinking into the pillows. Of course. Rafe Cameron didn’t do this. He wasn’t the soft, nurturing type. Hell, he probably had no clue how to comfort a girl on her period.

Just as you were about to close your eyes, the door creaked open again.

Rafe stepped back in, arms full.

You stared as he set everything on the nightstand—painkillers, a glass of ice water, a heating pad (which he probably stole from Sarah), and—was that chocolate?

"This was all we had," he muttered, scratching his neck. "If you need anything else, just tell me, okay?"

Your heart squeezed at the sight of him, awkward yet so genuine.

Before you could even respond, he climbed back into bed and immediately pulled you into his chest. His strong arms wrapped securely around you, radiating warmth as he kissed the top of your head.

"Tell me what you need, baby," he murmured, voice softer now. "I’ve got you."