Storm-Worn Hearts
I hug him like a woman who almost learned what it feels like to be grabbed by the wrong hands in the wrong place.
Dawson’s arms wrap around me instantly, tight and shaking, as if his body is furious at the universe and can only express it by holding me harder.
His mouth brushes my hair as he whispers, rough, “I'm here.”
My voice breaks against his chest. “Thank you.”
Behind us, Liberty’s breathing is ragged with rage. Miles is already texting Carver. Rowan is watching the street again, eyes sharp.
And in the warm, flour scented air of Liberty’s bakery, I understand the shape of what’s coming with terrifying clarity: The next escalation won’t be a text. It will be flesh and bone wrong place,