Hazel's POV

He said my name.

He called me Hazel. For the first time since I signed the contract.

Not calling me by my name was his way of keeping the distance between us. We weren't anything more than business partners. Not even friends.

He didn't think about it when he said my name.

The way he stood between me and a bullet was also instinctive. Like a natural inclination. Like he couldn't help himself. Even when my orders stated otherwise.

"Stay down. Don't move. And whatever you do, do not look up."

With my head bowed, ears covered, and my eyes screwed shut, I wait.

I know he's immortal, but I'm so devastated that he's already been shot that I can't think straight.

I'm sobbing, my throat is dry, and I can barely breathe.

I need this to be over.

When I remove my palms, I know it's not completely silent around me.

But the ringing sound in my ears is so loud that I can't hear what he says to me after he removes his jacket from the top of my head and helps me up.

In fact, I'm completely out of