The barrage of questions hit Linsy like a physical force, leaving her momentarily speechless. His proximity, the intensity in his dark eyes, the iron grip on her arms; it was overwhelming.

"It's just a scratch, Michael. Truly, it's nothing," she managed, her voice steadier than she felt. Aware of Sarah's wide-eyed stare and the curious glances from employees in the lobby, she gently but firmly extracted herself from his hold, putting a careful few inches of polished marble floor between ...