He had been healthy when she last saw him only two months ago, and yet now he lay so weak that even the smallest change in his condition was enough to make her heart race.
Kade noticed the change in her expression and quietly reached across to take her hand. Dakota looked down as his fingers closed around hers, and for a moment neither of them spoke.
His thumb moved slowly across the back of her hand, offering the only reassurance he could give without disturbing the quiet around them. Dakota tightened her fingers around his, drawing comfort from the simple contact even though the fear inside her remained.
"You should rest too," Kade murmured after a while.
Dakota shook her head. "I can't."
"You haven't rested since we left."
"I need to see him."
"He's being monitored."
"I know." Her gaze returned to Cooper, and her voice softened. "I just... I don't want to look away."
