Aurora Pov

Hey. I said between soft chuckles, lifting my gaze to him.

Manuel’s shoulders loosened at the sound of my voice. “I’m glad you’re safe,” he said, exhaling as though he’d been holding his breath for hours. His eyes searched my face, troubled. “I heard what happened outside the building.”

He pulled away slightly, jaw tight with guilt. “I wasn’t there to protect you. I don’t know what I would have done if it got to you. I…”

I touched his arm gently, cutting ...