Chapter 10

When Claire entered the dining room, she immediately noticed Daryl's ashen complexion and she hurried over to where he sat. "Are you alright? Does your arm hurt worse?" she asked anxiously.

Daryl nodded. Best to let Claire think his arm hurt than to know what he thought Negan had been threatening him with. Best to keep that to himself until he had time to think more about it.

Claire helped Daryl up from the chair and had him lean against her as she slowly walked him the short distance back to the infirmary. Daryl silently thanked whatever God there was left now that she was silent the whole way back. At this point his head was starting to pound and he didn't think having to answer any questions would help his nerves any.

Claire helped him to the bed and then fussed over getting him settled. "I think you should take some pain meds, Daryl. And you need to rest. You really shouldn't have had to go through all that," and here she stopped and fell silent, her mouth pursed in anger.

Daryl shook his head. He didn't want to be knocked out if Negan came in again to "visit". He needed to keep his wits about him no matter how his shoulder hurt.

Claire sighed. "Would you take some if I promise to stay here with you? I'll make sure no one comes in and disturbs you," she offered softly.

Daryl raised a brow at this. "What the fuck do ya care if someone bothers me?" he snapped. The idea of Claire guarding over him while he slept brought up images of his brother calling him a pussy….yet again. He immediately regretted how he'd sounded at the look on Claire's face.

Claire blushed at Daryl's rejection of her offer and she started to drift away toward the door. The thought of being left in here alone for hours, waiting for Negan or somebody else to come visit him made his heart clench up in his chest.

"Claire," Daryl gritted out.

Claire turned and waited.

"M sorry, got no manners. Thanks for everything you've done fer me. If ya don't mind stayin' that'd be okay." Daryl bit his lip and winced realizing he'd bitten it just about raw.

Claire nodded and slowly dragged a chair over to the bed. "I'll just read here while you rest," she murmured and reached for a book lying on the table. Daryl nodded as she sat down and closed his eyes to think about how in hell he was going to get out of this.