Elena's POVHe caught me before I hit the ground.One second I was standing, the next my knees folded completely and his arm came around me so fast it barely felt real. He steadied me against the wall with a firm but careful grip, and then he just held me there, not saying anything, not rushing me, not doing anything except making sure I didn't fall.I pressed my hand to my chest. My heart was still going crazy."Breathe," he said quietly.Just that one word. Breathe. Simple and direct. And somehow it worked because my lungs opened again and I pulled in a slow, shaky breath.He let go of me once he was sure I was steady, then he stepped back, giving me space. He picked up my bag again and held it out a second time.I took it with trembling hands, "Thank you," I managed. My voice was barely above a whisper.He nodded once. A short, sharp movement. He looked toward the entrance of the alley and then back at me. His gray eyes were unreadable."You shouldn't walk through here alone," he s
Last Updated : 2026-06-10 Read more