Rui Griffin paused the moment he noticed the change in her expression.
Reina's grip on him tightened, her body tensing despite her effort to endure.
"Hey…" His voice dropped immediately, the edge in it softening. "Does it hurt?"
She nodded, her breath uneven.
That was enough.
Rui stopped without hesitation.
The intensity that had filled the room moments ago faded, replaced by something steadier—controlled.
He brushed her hair back gently, his thumb lingering near her cheek as if grounding her.
"You don't have to push yourself," he said quietly.
Reina blinked, surprised.
For a moment, she had thought… she had to endure it.
Because she was his wife.
Because this was expected.
But the way he was looking at her now—there was no demand in it. No pressure.
Only concern.
"I…" she hesitated, her voice small. "I thought…"
"You don't need to think like that," Rui cut in softly.
He leaned down, pressing a light kiss to her forehead—completely different from before.
"You're not something to endure with me," he murmured. "You're someone I want to protect."
That single sentence broke something fragile inside her.
Reina's eyes stung as she looked at him.
"…It still hurts," she admitted honestly this time.
Rui exhaled, running a hand through his hair, a flicker of guilt crossing his face.
"I went too far."
There was no defensiveness in his tone—just acknowledgment.
Carefully, he shifted away, giving her space instead of closing it.
"I'll take care of it," he added, his voice calmer now.
Reina watched him, a little unsure—but she didn't resist when he helped her sit more comfortably, his movements slower, more deliberate than before.
Every touch was different now.
Not driven by intensity—
but by restraint.
By responsibility.
"You should have told me sooner," he said, almost to himself.
Reina lowered her gaze.
"I didn't want to disappoint you…"
Rui's hand stilled.
Then, gently but firmly, he lifted her chin so she had to look at him.
"You won't," he said. "Not for taking care of yourself."
Silence settled between them, but it wasn't uncomfortable.
It was… grounding.
After a while, Reina let out a small breath, her body finally relaxing.
"…Our marriage is going to be long," she muttered softly. "So… I need time too."
For a second, Rui looked at her—
Then a faint smile appeared.
"Good," he said. "Because I'm not in a hurry."
That surprised her.
He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
"I'd rather you get used to me slowly… than force anything."
Reina felt her chest tighten again—but this time, it wasn't from pain.
It was something warmer.
Something safer.
"…Okay," she whispered.
Rui nodded, satisfied, before pulling the blanket over her.
"Rest," he said.
This time, when he stayed beside her, there was no overwhelming intensity.
Only quiet presence.
And for Reina—
that felt even more powerful.