Serena's tightly wound nerves finally snapped at that moment. She gasped for air, struggling violently, only to be steadied by a pair of warm, strong hands.

“It’s okay, it’s all over now,” Felix murmured as he pulled her into his embrace, trying to soothe her. “I’m undoing the zip ties now. We’re heading to the hospital, and the police are here, Serena.”

Serena leaned her head against his chest, letting out a muffled “mm-hmm.” She clung to his comfort, trying ...