nder'

ed, I turned on my heel and strode swiftly into

climbed up. When the doors opened, I stepped out first, my steps long

d open

ung in, my eyes

r stance was defensive. Her eyes were wild with panic. She was pointi

harply, her voice hoarse but stro

earlier. She wasn't going to let them take her,

genuine and innocent we looked, it could all still be a tric

n. "Laura.

from me sent her scurrying tow

nly me, Ray,

forward. "My love, plea

? You..." she pointed the knife toward me now...

n front of me, my voice calm a

re darting around the room. Her breat

re focused this time. Her eyes widen

blue

growl, her fear, and then... those blue eyes

hispered, "It's you. You'r

e hurt you. I was t

hat makes you think I believe that? How do I know yo

took another slow step. "I wo

ned in a low voice, watching Eliana's grip on the knife.

another. My voice dropped, deep and gentle. "

My hand reached for her wrist. Gently, but firmly, I held it, guiding the knife down and

her breat

s, my voice low. "I'd

more intense...my strong jaw, my dark hair falling slightly over my fore

ting strength but not dange

ng in front of her on t

t stared. I felt her

oke louder than any words. My eyes roamed her face slow

tremble in her lashes, the uncerta

hair, still messy and stained from the horro

at kind of trouble she must be in. I knew that whatever it

hese years, and I wasn't going to l

na's

t his touch, something in his gaze that made my pulse quicke

How could I feel this now?

ng, she's always wanted to avoid trouble, that was the reason my

knew about me, the mo

, my bod

d through my limbs. Mu hands shot up t

flash. "What's wrong?" he aske

se," I whispered, "please let me g

re not going anywhere," I said firmly. "I won't le

, deeper this time. A sharp burn bloomed in my che

ours and flowed. From those hazel eyes

tep back. "W

h fell open. "

room

the