That’s all it takes.
The control I’ve been holding onto—
Slips.
“I’m okay,” I say automatically.
He doesn’t buy it.
Not for a second.
“Yeah,” he says softly. “Come here.”
I don’t hesitate.
I step into him.
And he catches me like he was already ready for it.
Like he knew.
His arms wrap around me, strong and steady, pulling me in against his chest.
One hand slides into my hair.
Holding.
Anchoring.
And I breathe.
Really breathe.
For the first time all night.
“I thought—” I start, but my voice breaks.
His grip tightens.
“I know,” he murmurs.
“I thought he was going to take me.”
“He didn’t.”
“I know but—” I swallow hard. “I felt it. That moment where I almost—”
“You didn’t,” he says again, firmer now. “You fought. You got free.”
I press my face into his chest.
“I didn’t do it alone.”
“No,” he agrees quietly. “You didn’t.”
A beat.
Then softer—
