Two against One

Tess

Shooting out of bed, I fall onto the floor and scoot backward until my back is against the wall, looking around the room. My heart was pounding, and cold sweat was forming over my body. I can't seem to catch my breath. My body is shaking. I know it was just a dream, but it felt so real. My eyes keep darting around the room, watching for movement. Triple checking that no men with guns were taking Winnie away from me.

Ace jumps up from the bed, looking around for the threat that has me panicked. Understanding must have dawned on him because he is sitting in front of me telling me to slow my breathing down. But I just can't. I feel him pull my body to his, and I hear the steady beat of his heart against my ear. I close my eyes and concentrate on that noise, reassuring myself that everything is okay. Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. I keep telling myself and only focus on breathing and Ace's heartbeat.

Pulling back slightly when the panic subsided, I felt so f